Experiencing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can leave you questioning the cause. Could it be a recent visit to your favorite restaurant that triggered this illness? While the restaurant itself may not be to blame, it's possible you've contracted the stomach flu, also known as Norovirus.

AFC Urgent Care Malden is here with an informative guide to help you understand Norovirus, identify its symptoms, and learn preventive measures!

Understanding Norovirus in Depth:

As defined by the CDC, Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus, often resulting in symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can fall victim to Norovirus infection and illness. Despite its common reference as the "stomach flu" or "stomach bug," it's crucial to differentiate Norovirus illness from the flu caused by the influenza virus. In the United States, Norovirus stands as the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illnesses.

Norovirus Symptoms you must know:

Most Common Symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Nausea

Other Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches

It's noteworthy that Norovirus induces acute gastroenteritis, leading to inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Symptoms usually manifest 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 the vomiting and diarrhea, which can contribute to dehydration.

Norovirus Transmission: what happens

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.

Preventing Norovirus: hygiene is key

Thorough handwashing is a crucial 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 Malden: Your Partner in Norovirus Recovery:

AFC Urgent Care Malden is well-equipped to assist with Norovirus recovery. Our goal is to help you combat Norovirus and resume your daily life. Open seven days a week, we welcome walk-ins and appointments. Paying your AFC Urgent Care Malden bill is a hassle-free process with our user-friendly online payment method. Plus, we accept most insurances.