Norovirus is a contagious viral infection. Often nicknamed the ‘stomach flu’, norovirus can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus is extremely contagious, making it important to identify symptoms early and know when to seek treatment. Most cases of norovirus resolve on their own without treatment within 48 hours. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, or if your symptoms last longer than 48 hours, you should seek medical treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Cortez, our walk-in urgent care clinic is open 7 days a week to provide patients in Cortez, CO with convenient and affordable illness treatment. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day care!
Symptoms of Norovirus
Norovirus causes very distinct symptoms, which often makes it easy to identify. Symptoms usually come out of nowhere and are immediately severe. Because norovirus affects your stomach, it is sometimes confused with food poisoning. However, norovirus is extremely contagious. If you suspect that you have symptoms, you should self-isolate if possible to avoid spreading your illness to others.
Symptoms of norovirus include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Chills
Does Norovirus Require Medical Treatment
While norovirus symptoms can be intense, they often resolve quickly without treatment. Most cases resolve within 24 hours, with more severe cases sometimes lasting up to 48 hours. Viral infections like norovirus cannot be treated with medications such as antibiotics. Instead, treatment typically relies on at-home care and symptom management.
If your symptoms are severe, you may need medical care. This includes a high fever, blood in your vomit or stool, or signs of severe dehydration. Dehydration is the biggest risk associated with norovirus and severe dehydration can cause further complications to the healing process.
At-Home Symptom Management for Norovirus Symptoms
If you think you are experiencing symptoms of norovirus, you may feel pretty miserable. It is important to focus on managing your symptoms to stay as comfortable as possible. Staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest are the most important to ensure that your body has the energy it needs to fight off the infection. You can use over-the-counter medications to manage fever symptoms. If your symptoms are severe, you should always seek medical care for treatment.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Cortez for Illness Care in Cortez, CO
If you’re feeling sick and think you may have norovirus, it is important to self-isolate and monitor your symptoms. Most cases resolve on their own within 48 hours. If your symptoms are severe or last more than 48 hours, AFC Urgent Care Cortez is here to help. Visit our walk-in clinic for same-day illness symptom diagnosis and treatment! Our board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week!
