Norovirus is an intestinal infection that causes diarrhea and vomiting in infected people. This virus is highly contagious and can be contacted by people of all ages. young kids and the elderly are at higher risk of related complications.

Norovirus is transmittable before you fall sick and even after you may have recovered from the virus. AFC Urgent Care Stoneham can help treat certain symptoms before they hit an emergency level. Dehydration is the biggest risk of norovirus, so it’s important to be on the lookout. Visit our center for health resources today. 

Norovirus Transmission

As earlier stated, norovirus has a high rate of transmission among people. Yearly, the (CDC) series of outbreaks across several states in the United States. 

The reason for this is its ease of transmission. While an infected person sick disperses about 1 billion particles of the virus, It only takes less than 90 particles to infect a healthy individual. 

Also, there are many strains of this virus, so even if you develop immunity against a particular strain, it doesn’t protect you from other types of strain.

You can get infected from:

• Contaminated food and drinks.

• Sharing close space with an infected person.

• Transfer from a contaminated surface to your mouth.

you should take these preventive steps against norovirus:

•  Before eating, ensure you wash your hands with soap and water.

• Wash vegetables and fruits before eating.

• Ensure your food is adequately covered if you need to leave the table.

• If you eat outdoors (restaurants and fast food joints), check that they are following state health guidelines.

Signs & Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of norovirus differ from that of regular flu. As an intestinal infection, the most common symptoms are:

• Vomiting

• diarrhea.

• Stomach ache 

• Nausea

• Fatigue and other foodborne illnesses.

Other symptoms include:

• Headache

• Body pain

• Fever

In serious cases, an infected person may experience extreme vomiting and diarrhea, leading to severe dehydration. This is common in children and elderly persons. Symptoms of dehydration often  include:

• Dryness in mouth and throat.

• Dizziness when you stand

• Less urine than usual.

• Yellowish pee.

If a child is dehydrated, you may notice that the child cries with fewer or no tears and is usually fussy or sleepy.

Treating Norovirus

You should note that there is no specific medicine or vaccine to treat or protect against the virus. Antibiotics, for example, is an antibacterial drug;  and, therefore, ineffective against viral infections like norovirus. This doesn’t mean there aren’t other measures to help you with the virus. 

If you are infected with norovirus;

• Take a lot of fluid to replace lost fluid and prevent dehydration.

• Rest well.

• Reduce sugar intake.

In cases where there is severe dehydration, hospitalization may be necessary. Intravenous treatments may be given to revitalize the body with fluids.

It is advisable to visit your nearest healthcare provider if you experience severe dehydration.

If you or your relative is infected with norovirus, try as much as possible to contain its spread. Stay indoors and be mindful of dispersing norovirus particles on clothes, towels, and other surfaces.