When symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea strike, it's natural to wonder about the cause. Could it be that recent visit to your go-to restaurant? While the eatery may not be directly responsible, you might have contracted the stomach flu, better known as Norovirus.
AFC Urgent Care Danbury East presents an enlightening guide to help you comprehend Norovirus, recognize its symptoms, and adopt preventive measures!
Understanding Norovirus: what does it do to me
According to the CDC, Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus, often causing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus doesn't discriminate – anyone can fall victim to its infection and illness. Despite being colloquially termed the "stomach flu" or "stomach bug," it's crucial to distinguish Norovirus illness from the flu caused by the influenza virus. In the United States, Norovirus stands as the primary cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illnesses.
Norovirus Symptoms:
Most Common Symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
Other Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
Notably, Norovirus induces acute gastroenteritis, leading to inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Symptoms typically surface 12 to 48 hours after Norovirus exposure. While most individuals recover within 1 to 3 days, it's crucial to acknowledge their potential contagion, capable of spreading the virus for a few days afterward.
Dehydration Symptoms:
- Decrease in urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
Understanding these dehydration symptoms is especially critical in young children due to vomiting and diarrhea, contributing to dehydration.
Norovirus Transmission:
Norovirus and Contaminated Food:
- Contracting Norovirus can occur when a person with Norovirus touches food with bare hands.
- Food placed on a surface contaminated with feces or vomit particles poses a risk.
- Tiny droplets of vomit from an infected person can spray through the air and land on food.
Norovirus through Contaminated Water:
- Water can become contaminated with Norovirus if an infected person vomits or defecates in it.
- Inadequate water treatment, such as insufficient chlorine, is another potential source of contamination.
Norovirus Spreading through Sick Individuals and Contaminated Surfaces:
- This happens when an infected person touches surfaces with bare hands.
- Contaminated objects or substances are placed on surfaces.
- Tiny droplets of vomit from an infected person can spray through the air, landing on surfaces or entering another person's mouth.
You can help Prevent Norovirus:
Thorough handwashing is a pivotal step in preventing Norovirus. Wash hands after using the bathroom, before food preparation, and before engaging in activities involving contact with others. Additionally, disinfecting and cleaning surfaces is vital, given the uncertainty of who may have touched what and whether they were previously infected with Norovirus.
AFC Urgent Care Danbury East: Your Partner in Norovirus Recovery:
For Norovirus recovery, AFC Urgent Care Danbury East is well-prepared to assist you. Our aim is to provide effective support as you combat Norovirus, allowing you to get back to your daily routine. Open seven days a week, we warmly welcome both walk-ins and appointments. Handling your AFC Urgent Care Danbury East bill is easy with our user-friendly online payment method. And remember, we accept most insurances!
