Preventing Norovirus Infection

If you ever had the stomach flu, you know how miserable it can be. But what you may not know is that norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastrointestinal infection.

What Is Norovirus And How Is It Spread?

Understating what the virus is and how it is spread is essential in order to learn ways to prevent becoming infected. Norovirus is a very common and contagious virus which causes acute gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach or intestines.

It is important to understand norovirus is not just one virus. There are several strains of the virus, which can cause illness. If you are infected with one strain, you can still become infected with another at a later time. The virus is spread a few different ways. Eating or drinking food that is contaminated with the virus is one mode of transmission.

The virus can also live on surfaces for a few hours. If you touch a service that is contaminated with the virus, and you put your hands near your mouth, nose or eyes you can become infected. Sharing items, such as spoons, straws or drinking glasses can also lead to infection with the norovirus.

Norovirus Symptoms And Risk Factors

Only a small amount of the virus is needed in order to become sick. Anyone can become infected, and most people do at some point in their life. But there are additional factors, which may place a person at a higher risk of contracting the infection. People who have a weakened immune system due to taking certain medications or having certain diseases are at a greater risk getting norovirus. People with a decreased immune system may also be more likely to develop complications from the infection. 

Outbreaks in schools, nursing homes and on cruise ships are common. People who live in parts of the world where food is prepared in unsanitary conditions are at a much higher risk of contracting norovirus. If you live with young children who attend daycare, you also have upped your odds of becoming infected with norovirus.

If you do contract norovirus, symptoms usually start within a day or two of becoming infected with the virus. Symptoms can come on suddenly and may vary in severity. The most common symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Stomach cramps, muscle pain, fatigue and low-grade fever also develop in some people. 

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Although the duration of the illness can vary, most people are sick for about one to three days. Norovirus can hit anyone hard, but it tends to be more serious in the elderly or young children. Everyone affected with the virus, should pay close attention to preventing the spread of the infection. Keep in mind, you may still be contagious and able to pass the infection on to others up to three or four days after recovery.

Norovirus Infections Can Be Serious 

Although most people who become infected with norovirus, recover in a few days, it can be very serious for others. According to the CDC, about 70,000 people in the United States requires hospitalization for norovirus each year.

Complications From Norovirus

As if the symptoms of norovirus were not enough to make you miserable, complications are possible. For example, although additional research is needed, some studies have indicated norovirus may be associated with chronic diarrhea in some people.

Another possible complication of norovirus is dehydration. Dehydration occurs due to fluid loss from excessive diarrhea and vomiting. Dehydration is particularly serious in young children. Signs of dehydration include fatigue, listlessness, dizziness, dry mouth and cracked lips. Headache and decreased urine output also often occur.

Dehydration can lead to additional problems. When the level of fluids in the body becomes too low, it can lead to electrolyte imbalances. Electrolytes including salt and potassium are essential for proper functioning of the heart. If dehydration from norovirus becomes severe enough, electrolyte disturbances can lead to cardiac problems, such as irregular heart rhythms.

Although there is no medication available to destroy norovirus, treatment is aimed at preventing complications and easing symptoms. Since preventing dehydration is a primary concern, people with norovirus are encouraged to drink small amounts of liquids frequently. Sports drinks and water are best. In some cases, IV fluids may be necessary to treat dehydration from norovirus. Medication to decrease nausea and vomiting may also be given.

Norovirus Prevention 

In most cases, the illness runs its course and people recover. But preventing the infection is always best.

As with most types of viral infections, hand washing is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from becoming sick with norovirus. Although hand washing is a simple and effective way to reduce infection rates, it may not be done as frequently as it should. 

Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly, especially after using the restroom. The virus can be present in the stool even before you feel sick. In addition, always wash your hands before eating. You may have unknowingly touched a surface that was contaminated with the virus.

Since the virus may live on surfaces for a short period of time, disinfecting objects and surfaces, which someone with the virus may have touched, may prevent infection. Toys, countertops, sinks and toilets should all be disinfected with a bleach and water solution.

Food can also become contaminated with norovirus, so washing fruits and vegetables is always advisable. Additionally, if you are sick with the infection, avoid food preparation. Although you probably will not feel like cooking, remember handling food others will eat can spread the infection.  

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If any clothing, towels or bedding becomes contaminated with vomit or stool from someone infected with the virus, wash the items with hot water and detergent for the longest available machine cycle.