Stay aware of the risks and potential impact on those around you. Visit our urgent care near you for treatment.
Wintertime in Dalton means bundling up for walks through Heritage Point Park and enjoying the warmth of your favorite local spots downtown. But when the temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, viruses like norovirus tend to make the rounds a bit more easily.
Known for causing sudden stomach upset, norovirus spreads quickly – especially in shared spaces like schools, workplaces, and family gatherings. Understanding how this virus affects the community and learning how to reduce your risk can go a long way in keeping everyone a little healthier this season.
What Are the Symptoms of Norovirus?
Norovirus symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last for 1 to 3 days. The most common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Watery diarrhea
- Low-grade fever
- Muscle aches
While most people recover quickly, dehydration is a serious risk, especially for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. If you experience severe dehydration symptoms, such as dizziness, dry mouth, or infrequent urination, seek medical attention immediately.
How Does Norovirus Spread?
Norovirus spreads easily and can linger on surfaces for days. The most common ways people become infected include:
- Eating contaminated food prepared by someone infected with norovirus.
- Drinking contaminated water that has come into contact with the virus.
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth or face.
- Being in close contact with someone who has norovirus, such as caring for a sick family member.
Since norovirus is resistant to many disinfectants, preventing its spread requires strict hygiene measures.
What Steps Can We Take to Prevent Norovirus?
Keeping communities healthy starts with proactive measures to prevent infection:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom and before preparing food.
- Disinfect surfaces with a bleach-based cleaner to eliminate lingering virus particles.
- Handle food safely by washing fruits and vegetables and cooking shellfish thoroughly.
- Stay home if sick to avoid spreading the virus to others.
- Avoid sharing utensils and personal items with someone who has norovirus.
If you or a family member develops norovirus symptoms, avoid public places and stay hydrated to prevent complications.
When Should You Seek Medical Care for Norovirus?
Most cases of norovirus resolve on their own, but severe dehydration requires medical attention. Seek urgent care if you experience:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than three days
- Signs of severe dehydration, such as extreme thirst, dizziness, or dry mouth
- Inability to keep fluids down
- Bloody stools or high fever
AFC Dalton is here to help. Stop in seven days a week for treatment and hydration support.
Stay Healthy and Protect Your Community
Norovirus is preventable with proper hygiene and food safety measures. By washing hands, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding contaminated food, we can reduce outbreaks and keep our communities safe.
If you’re feeling unwell or experiencing severe symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care today. Our healthcare providers are ready to assist you with expert care, ensuring a speedy recovery.
