Norovirus is an infection popularly known to cause the common stomach flu. This virus causes intestinal infections that lead to intense vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.

In winter, norovirus outbreaks are recorded to peak compared to other seasons of the year. In 2017 alone, the United States ‘centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) recorded a series of norovirus outbreaks in South Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin, Oregon, Minnesota, and four other states.

AFC Urgent Care Burlington can help treat your symptoms if you are suffering from Norovirus. While most treatment options include avoiding dehydration, our providers can make recommendations to help you feel better. Visit or call our center today for more information.

Facts about Norovirus

Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads fast.

Norovirus is known to infect people easily. It requires less than 90 norovirus particles for a person to contract this virus. This amount is only a tiny fragment of what a sick person disperses (about a billion) through vomit and stool.

The virus quickly spreads;

• When in close contact with a sick person.
• Taking food and drink that are contaminated with the virus.
• By touching contaminated surfaces and objects.
• When your mouth touches contaminated body parts (hands, arm, etc.)

Symptoms can last between one to three days.

Symptoms of Norovirus include vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, mild fever. Muscular pains e.t.c. these symptoms are noticed 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to the virus and can last for one to three days.

Note: asymptomatic people can spread Norovirus regardless of not showing any sign of the virus themselves.

Statistically, 50% of all food-related diseases stem from norovirus contamination.

To ensure you don’t get infected, thoroughly wash all vegetables and fruits before eating. Also, If you frequently dine at restaurants, ensure they meet the stipulated health guidelines.

Norovirus has no treatment.

Currently, no vaccine protects you against this virus. Antibiotics are generally ineffective against norovirus infection.

However, these steps have proven effective:

• Rest.
• Drink enough fluids to prevent hydration.
• Avoid sugary beverages.
• Anti-diarrhea medications as recommended by a doctor.

There is a risk of serve complications from the infection.

Generally, people infected with Norovirus usually recover without treatment. However, other people—especially children and the elders, often experience complications relating to the infection. These complication ranges from mild to severe dehydration and can lead to death in some cases.

You can contract norovirus infection multiple times.

Norovirus has many equally contagious strains. This means you can get infected by this virus as many times as possible.

Precautions can be taken to contain the virus.

Anybody sick with Norovirus can take measures to contain the spread of infection. If you or your close relative is infected;

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Avoid cooking
• Carefully Handle clothes and objects that have come in contact with your stool or vomit.
• Wash and dry infected sheets and towels.
• Clean infected surfaces with bleach.