What is norovirus? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
According to the UK Health Security Agency, people need to be alert. Now since norovirus has come to the fore, since then the question has started to arise what is this virus after all? Today, through this article, we will know in detail about Norovirus, what is Norovirus, what are the symptoms of Norovirus and what is the reason behind Norovirus infection. At the same time, most importantly, how is norovirus infection treated?
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is considered the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis (a disease of diarrhea and vomiting) worldwide. It spreads easily through food and drink and can have a major impact on people’s health. Although norovirus can strike year-round, it is more common in the winter. People sometimes call it the “winter vomiting bug”. Noroviruses are sometimes called food poisoning, as they can be transmitted through contaminated food. Its disease is not related to the flu which is caused by the influenza virus. Norovirus was originally called Norwalk virus.
What are the symptoms of norovirus? What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Since it is classified as an acute illness, the signs and symptoms of norovirus infection can begin suddenly. The following are the symptoms of Norovirus infection:-
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Stomach pain
4. Stomach Cramps
5. Watery or loose stools
6. getting sick
7. Mild fever
8. Muscle pain
9. Dehydration
10. Weakness
Signs and symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after your first exposure to norovirus and last 1 to 3 days. Even after recovering from this virus, some symptoms may remain for a few days, in which diarrhea is common. Some people with norovirus infection do not show any signs or symptoms, however, they are still contagious and can spread the virus to others.
What is caused by norovirus?
Norovirus is highly contagious, which means that norovirus infection can easily be spread to others. The virus is shed in feces and vomit. You can spread the virus from the time you first feel symptoms of the disease until several days after you recover. Norovirus can live on surfaces and objects for days or weeks. You can get norovirus infection by:-
1. Eating contaminated food
2. Drinking contaminated water
3. Touching your hand to your mouth after coming in contact with a contaminated surface or object
4. Being in close contact with a person with a norovirus infection
Noroviruses are difficult to kill because they can withstand hot and cold temperatures and many disinfectants.
What are the norovirus risk factors?
Risk factors for becoming infected with norovirus include the following:
1. Eating at a place where food was eaten by someone with norovirus infection or the food has been in contact with contaminated water or surfaces
2. Attending Preschool or Child Care Center
3. Living in close quarters, such as in a nursing home
4. Living with many people in hotels, resorts, cruise ships, or other destinations
5. Coming in contact with someone who has a norovirus infection
What complications can norovirus cause?
For most people, norovirus infection usually gets better within a few days and is not life-threatening. But in some people, especially young children; older adults; And people with weakened immune systems or other medical conditions, or who are pregnant, are at a higher risk of severe norovirus infection. Norovirus infection can cause severe dehydration and even death.
There is also a risk of dehydration due to norovirus, due to which the following complications may have to be faced: –
1. Fatigue
2. Dry mouth and throat
3. Absurdity
4. Dizziness
5. Decreased Urine Output
Babies who are dehydrated may cry with little or no tears. Such children can also disturb a lot while sleeping.
How long does norovirus usually last? How long does norovirus usually last?
Most people recover in 1 or 2 days and there are no long-term health effects. Dehydration can be a concern in the very young, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. Sometimes infected people may experience mild symptoms for a week or more.
How does norovirus spread?
You can get norovirus by accidentally getting small particles of feces (poop) in your mouth or vomit from an infected person. Direct contact with someone who is infected with norovirus, such as by caring for them or sharing food or eating utensils with them.
Is norovirus similar with coronavirus?
Norovirus causes infection mostly in adults, while adenovirus and astrovirus Cause infection in infants and young children. If seen, some symptoms of both are similar, but if there is a special difference between the two infections, then in coronavirus, problems related to upper respiratory symptoms such as smell and taste, which do not occur in norovirus, begin to occur. So it is clear that both viruses are completely different from each other and do not cause similar symptoms.
Is Norovirus Deadly?
Anyone can die from severe dehydration, but norovirus is actually fatal only among some vulnerable patients, especially infants and the frail elderly.
Can someone get norovirus twice?
A person can be infected with norovirus more than once. Although there is a short period of time (possibly a few months) immediately after infection with norovirus that a person is protected from reinfection, this is only temporary protection.
How is norovirus identified?
Norovirus infection is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms, but norovirus can be identified from a stool sample. If you have a weakened immune system or other medical conditions, your healthcare provider may recommend a stool test to confirm the presence of norovirus.
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What is the treatment for norovirus?
There is no specific treatment for norovirus infection. Recovery generally depends on the health of your immune system. In most people, the illness usually gets better within a few days.
It is important to replace lost fluids. Oral rehydration solutions may be used. If you are not able to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration, you may need to receive fluids through a vein (intravenously).
Your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicine and medicine to reduce nausea.
How is norovirus prevented?
Norovirus infection is highly contagious, so prevention is very important. To avoid norovirus infection, you can adopt some of the following special measures: –
1. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
2. Clean the seafood thoroughly and cook it thoroughly.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper, and before preparing food and eating or drinking. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not as effective against norovirus as using soap and water.
4. Avoid contaminated food and water, including food that may have been prepared by a sick person.
5. Disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated. Wear gloves and use a chlorine bleach solution or a disinfectant that is effective against norovirus.
6. Be careful while traveling. If you are traveling to areas with a high risk of norovirus infection, consider eating only cooked food, drinking only hot or carbonated beverages, and avoiding food sold by street vendors.
If you are suffering from norovirus infection or if someone of your own has become a victim of this serious infection, then during this time you will need to take special precautions. It takes 2 to 3 days during the illness and after your symptoms go away, during which you should take care of the following special things so that norovirus will not affect many people: –
1. Avoid coming in contact with others as much as possible.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
3. Stay home from work. Children should stay home from school or child care.
4. Avoid handling food and items used by other people. Disinfect contaminated surfaces with a disinfectant effective against norovirus.
5. Dispose of vomit and feces carefully. While wearing disposable gloves, soak the material with a disposable towel. Disturb soiled material as little as possible to avoid spreading norovirus through the air. Put the dirty things in plastic bags and put them in the dustbin. Remove and wash clothing and linens that may be contaminated.
6. Avoid traveling for 2 to 3 days after your symptoms are gone.
For specialist advice and treatment, visit the doctor and site and also take medicines on time.