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The colder months are traditionally the harbinger of winter illnesses. Like the flu, for example. But there's one particular virus that's also become synonymous with the season: norovirus. An extremely contagious infection that causes vomiting and diarrhea, this nasty bug can infect people of all ages, but especially the very young and the elderly. Worryingly, norovirus appears to be spreading as the rate of positive tests spike. But what causes this distressing virus, and how can it be treated?
Click through for a detailed prognosis.
Norovirus, also called the "winter vomiting bug," is a nasty stomach bug. It's the most common cause of gastroenteritis.
Norovirus is also sometimes referred to as stomach flu, but it is not related to the influenza virus.
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
Frequent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, the symptoms of which include decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up.
Pay special attention to children with norovirus. Youngsters who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.
Norovirus is an extremely unpleasant and distressing condition, often accompanied by stomach pain.
Those stricken with norovirus often have a headache and high temperature.
Pain, particularly aching arms and legs, is also indicative of the virus.
Pain and discomfort also targets the tummy. Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines. This is called acute gastroenteritis.
Norovirus is spread easily. You can catch the bug through close contact with an infected person.
A person usually develops symptoms within one to two days of being infected.
Hospitals, nursing homes, child care centers, and schools are typical of the closed and crowded environments the virus feels most at home in.
And you're not immune on vacation either. Hostels, hotels, and cruise ships also serve as potential breeding grounds for norovirus.
Touching objects or surfaces contaminated with norovirus and then putting your fingers in your mouth can spread the disease.
Eating food that's been been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus is another way to catch the virus.
In fact, norovirus can easily contaminate food and water. It only takes a few particles of the virus to make you sick.
There is no specific medicine to treat people with norovirus illness. The infection cannot be stemmed with antibiotics, because it is a virus.
Combatting the effects of norovirus in the first instance is to drink plenty of liquids to replace fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea.
Make sure children with norovirus also drink plenty of water. Milk, fruit juice, and tea can also help replenish important nutrients and minerals.
The elderly are most at risk of complications resulting from norovirus, mainly dehydration. Acute renal failure and cardiac issues number among other risk factors.
The very young, those with underlying health conditions, and the immunocompromised are also at greater risk for severe symptoms and complications arising from the virus.
Complications among healthy adults are less common. Ordinarily, you should start to feel better in two to three days. But if symptoms persist, it's time to seek medical advice.
You'll need to see a doctor if after three days the vomiting continues and you can't keep anything down.
Likewise, suffering from diarrhea for more than 72 hours indicates a potentially serious problem.
And blood found in vomit or poop should be considered a medical emergency.
Practicing good hygiene is the key to preventing norovirus taking hold. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet or changing diapers.
Similarly, get into the habit of washing your hands before eating, preparing, or handling food.
The same goes before self-medicating or giving someone else medicine.
Clean and disinfect surfaces on a regularly basis—and immediately after someone has vomited, or has diarrhea. Pull on rubber or disposable gloves and use a powerful bleach-based household cleaner. It's also worth considering wearing a surgical mask whilst doing so. Note that alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.
Household hygiene extends to washing laundry thoroughly. Clothes and linens soiled with vomit or feces require special attention. Handle carefully and wash at the highest heat setting.
Be mindful that viruses continue to be shed after symptoms have subsided and shedding can still be detected many weeks after infection. It's therefore wise to maintain your hygiene regimen.
Sources: (NBC News) (Reuters) (CDC) (Infectious Disease Clinics of North America) (NHS)
See also: Diseases and infections that can kill you within 48 hours.
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The colder months are traditionally the harbinger of winter illnesses. Like the flu, for example. But there's one particular virus that's also become synonymous with the season: norovirus. An extremely contagious infection that causes vomiting and diarrhea, this nasty bug can infect people of all ages, but especially the very young and the elderly. Worryingly, norovirus appears to be spreading as the rate of positive tests spike. But what causes this distressing virus, and how can it be treated?
Click through for a detailed prognosis.