Feeling nauseous, battling diarrhea, and wondering about the cause? Could your favorite restaurant be the culprit? While the restaurant itself might not be to blame, there's a chance you picked up the stomach flu, commonly known as Norovirus.
AFC Urgent Care Worcester has crafted an informative guide to shed light on what Norovirus entails, the symptoms to watch for, and effective prevention measures!
Understanding Norovirus:
Norovirus is an exceptionally contagious virus known for inducing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can fall prey to Norovirus infection, and although it's often labeled 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 out as the primary cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illnesses.
Common Norovirus Symptoms: What to be aware of
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
Additional symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
It's worth noting that Norovirus triggers acute gastroenteritis, leading to inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Symptoms typically emerge 12 to 48 hours after exposure to Norovirus. While most individuals recover within 1 to 3 days, it's vital to recognize that they may remain contagious, capable of spreading the virus for several days afterward.
Dehydration Symptoms:
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Dizziness when standing up
Understanding these dehydration symptoms is especially crucial for young children, considering the risk of dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea.
How Norovirus is Transmitted:
- Contaminated food: If a person with Norovirus touches food with their bare hands or if food is placed on surfaces with fecal or vomit particles.
- Contaminated water: When a person with Norovirus vomits or defecates in the water, or when water is improperly treated.
- Sick people and contaminated surfaces: When a person with Norovirus touches surfaces with their bare hands, contaminated items are placed on surfaces, or tiny drops of vomit from an infected person land on surfaces or enter another person’s mouth.
Norovirus Prevention:
Frequent handwashing is a crucial step in preventing Norovirus. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, before handling or preparing food, and before engaging in activities involving contact with others.
Disinfecting and cleaning surfaces is equally important, given the uncertainty of who may have touched them and whether they were previously infected with Norovirus.
AFC Urgent Care Worcester Aids Norovirus Recovery:
When it comes to Norovirus recovery, AFC Urgent Care Worcester is fully equipped to assist you. Our commitment is to help you effectively fight Norovirus, allowing you to resume your daily life. With our doors open seven days a week, we extend a warm welcome to both walk-ins and appointments. Managing your AFC Urgent Care Worcester bill is a hassle-free experience thanks to our user-friendly online payment method. Keep in mind that we accept most insurances!
