While being sick is never fun, having an illness like norovirus, also called the stomach bug, can cause you to be bedridden. Alleviating the spread of norovirus and receiving assistance promptly calls for knowing the symptoms and early warning signs. Understanding how it disseminates, particularly in crowded environments, informs you of what to do in public gatherings. This blog post covers symptoms and strategies for preventing norovirus. If you’re experiencing symptoms of the stomach bug, AFC Urgent Care Braintree can help. We offer walk-in illness care in Braintree, MA, with no appointment needed. Walk in today.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a viral infection that causes gastrointestinal symptoms. Norovirus is commonly referred to as the stomach flu or the stomach bug. The transmission of norovirus is known to occur rapidly in confined areas like schools, cruise ships, and nursing homes, which can lead to local epidemics.
Gastrointestinal symptoms caused by norovirus can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Symptoms generally present 12 to 48 hours after infection, allowing you to spread the infection without knowing that you have it. Norovirus symptoms can be crippling for even a healthy adult, however, they are particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, young children, and older people. This is specifically related to the danger of severe dehydration. Early identification of norovirus symptoms can help you seek timely medical care.
How is Norovirus Spread?
Norovirus is viral which means that it is very contagious and spreads in various different ways. Consuming contaminated food and drinks is the primary means of transmission. Raw/Undercooked seafood, contaminated products during fishing or processing, and pre-prepared foods handled by patients are the main suspects in norovirus outbreaks. Contaminated water sources like drinking water, recreational pools, and hot tubs can transmit water-borne diseases. Norovirus can also be transmitted from person to person through contaminated objects or surfaces or direct contact with an infected person.
Norovirus can affect anyone, however, it tends to spread most quickly in public crowded places like schools, offices, and nursing homes. This is because there is more close contact between people in these environments. Because you often don’t know you have been infected by norovirus, it is easily transmitted from person to person in the first few days of the infection.
Can You Prevent Norovirus?
Norovirus is easily spread from person to person, however, it is preventable in most cases with some simple sanitation methods. Frequent hand washing, mainly after you use the loo and before you handle food, is imperative to prevent norovirus infection. Be mindful not to eat raw or undercooked shellfish, produce or fruit.
You often have no way of knowing whether the food you are eating is carrying the virus. That is why it is always important to fully cook your food to ensure that any viruses are killed in the cooking process. People who work with food must train in effective hygiene regularly. Stay indoors if you have norovirus so that you don’t spread your illness to others. Always avoid someone who is sick to protect yourself from contracting their illness.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Braintree for Walk-In Norovirus Diagnosis & Treatment
If you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms of norovirus, you should seek medical care. Seeking a diagnosis early can help you better manage your symptoms and protect those around you from getting sick. It is especially important that young children, the elderly or anyone with a compromised immune system seek medical care because norovirus can cause severe illness. At AFC Urgent Care Braintree, we offer walk-in illness diagnosis and treatment services. Walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you, or schedule an appointment online.
Our medical providers are board-certified and trained to identify a variety of common illnesses like norovirus. Based on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may conduct diagnostic testing at our on-site laboratory to confirm the diagnosis. Norovirus typically can be managed at home, however, your medical provider can help provide at-home care instructions to ensure that you recover quickly. Our clinic accepts most major medical insurance plans and offers affordable care options. Walk in today, or contact the clinic directly by calling (781) 848-2273.
