You’re vomiting, you have diarrhea, and you just can’t figure out why. Could it be your favorite restaurant that got you sick? The restaurant itself couldn't have gotten you sick, but maybe you got the stomach flu aka Norovirus from there. 

AFC Urgent Care Springfield has created a guide to help you understand what Norovirus is, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to prevent it! We’re here to help you and to keep any unwanted medical issues out of your daily life.

What is Norovirus? 

According to the CDC, Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that tends to lead to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone is at risk of norovirus infection and illness. While it is commonly referred to as the "stomach flu" or "stomach bug," it's important to note that norovirus illness is different from the flu caused by the influenza virus.

In the United States, Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illnesses. 

What are Norovirus Symptoms?

Most Common Symptoms: 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Nausea 

Other Symptoms may include:

• Fever 
• Headache 
• Body aches 

It is important to note that Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis. Acute gastroenteritis is inflammation in the stomach intestines. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to norovirus. While most individuals recover from norovirus illness within 1 to 3 days, it's important to know that they may remain contagious and capable of spreading the virus for a few days afterward.

Dehydration symptoms : 

• Decrease in urination
• Dry mouth and throat
• Feeling dizzy when standing up

Knowing these dehydration symptoms is important especially in young children. Due to the vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration is a factor to keep in mind. 

How does Norovirus Spread? 

Norovirus and contaminated food

You can get Norovirus if: :

• A person with norovirus touches food with their bare hands.
• Food is placed on a counter or surface that has poop or vomit particles on it.
• Tiny drops of vomit from a person with norovirus spray through the air and land on the food.

Norovirus through contaminated water

water can get contaminated with norovirus:

• When a person with norovirus vomits or poops in the water.
• When water isn’t treated properly, such as with not enough chlorine.

Norovirus spreading through sick people and contaminated surfaces

This happens when:

• A person with norovirus touches surfaces with their bare hands.
• Food, water, or objects that are contaminated with norovirus are placed on surfaces.
• Tiny drops of vomit from a person with norovirus spray through the air, landing on surfaces or entering another person’s mouth.

Preventing Norovirus

Washing your hands is a huge step in preventing Norovirus. You should wash your hands after using the bathroom, before prepping any sort of food, and before doing anything that involves another individual. 

You should disinfect and clean surfaces as well. You don’t know who has been touching what and if they were previously infected with Norovirus. 

AFC Urgent Care Springfield can help you recover from Norovirus

AFC Urgent Care Springfield has the resources to help the Norovirus recovery. We’re here to help you fight norovirus and get back to your life. AFC Urgent Care Springfield is open 7 days a week, we accept walk-ins as well as appointments. paying your AFC Urgent Care bill can take just a few clicks with our easy to use online payment method. We accept most insurances!