Norovirus Infection

The norovirus infection can cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea that appears out of nowhere. Noroviruses are extremely infectious. They are transferred most usually through contaminated food or water, as well as polluted surfaces. Noroviruses can also be disseminated by intimate contact with someone infected with the virus.

Vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain

usually start 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Symptoms of norovirus infection usually last 1 to 3 days. Without treatment, the majority of patients recover entirely. However, vomiting and diarrhoea can severely dehydrate some people, particularly young children, the elderly, and those with existing medical issues, necessitating medical attention.

Norovirus infections are especially common in confined and crowded spaces. Hospitals, nursing homes, child care centres, schools, and cruise ships are all examples.

Symptoms

The following are signs and symptoms of norovirus infection that may appear suddenly:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation or stomach cramps
• Diarrhoea that is watery or loose
• Feeling ill
• Fever of a low intensity
• Muscle ache

The signs and symptoms of norovirus usually appear 12 to 48 hours after the first exposure and persist for 1 to 3 days. Viruses can be excreted in your stool for several weeks after you’ve recovered. If you have another medical issue, this shedding can linger for weeks or months.

Some persons who have been infected with the norovirus show no signs or symptoms. They are, nevertheless, contagious and can pass the illness on to others.

Causes

Noroviruses are exceedingly infectious. As a result, the norovirus can easily spread to others. The virus is spread by faeces and vomit. From the time you first notice symptoms of the disease until many days after you have recovered, you can transfer the virus. Noroviruses can survive for days or weeks on surfaces and objects.

Norovirus infection can be contracted by:

• Consuming tainted food
• Drinking contaminated water
• After coming into contact with a contaminated surface or object, touching your hand to your mouth
• Being near someone who is infected with the norovirus

Noroviruses are difficult to eradicate because they can tolerate extreme heat and cold, as well as a variety of disinfectants.

Risk factors

Norovirus infection can be caused by many reasons, including:

• Eating in a location where food has been handled by someone who has been infected with norovirus or where food has come into touch with contaminated water or surfaces
• Attending a daycare centre or a preschool
• Close quarters living, such as in nursing homes
• Staying in hotels, resorts, cruise ships, or other places where there are a lot of people
• Having touch with someone who is infected with the norovirus

When to see a doctor

If your diarrhoea persists for more than a few days, see a doctor. Severe vomiting, bloody stools, stomach pain, or dehydration should all be reported to your doctor.