Norovirus, commonly referred to as the winter vomiting bug, is a virus that causes gastroenteritis and has been responsible for outbreaks worldwide. Because it is highly contagious, it’s easily spread through crowded areas like offices and classrooms and typically causes vomiting, watery diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
How do you know if you have the norovirus?
While noroviruses can happen all-year round, the most common time of the year for the outbreak happens during winter.
This is a virus that has a short incubation period and people affected by it show symptoms within a day or two after exposure. It’s an abrupt onset, but usually only lasts one to three days.
How is it spread?
The virus is highly contagious and according to WebMD, it is resilient and can survive temperature extremes in the water and on surfaces. It is often spread through contact with other people, whether this is touching (like shaking hands), sharing utensils, or other forms of close contact.
The virus can also spread through contaminated food and drink, as well as feces, so it’s incredibly important to practice good hygiene.
How can you prevent it?
According to the Tasmanian Government’s Department Of Health And Human Services, there is no vaccination for norovirus but you can take certain measures to prevent it, especially by practicing good hygiene. This means washing your hands with warm soapy water after going to the bathroom and always washing your hands before preparing food.
Parents should not send their children to school while they are showing symptoms of the virus and all contaminated surfaces should be washed with warm water and detergent.
How can you treat norovirus?
Noroviruses don’t respond to antibiotics and there is no antiviral medication which can treat them, instead what you need to do is get enough rest and fluid intake.
Avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol as this can make diarrhea worse and leave you more dehydrated. If you feel as though you’re not getting enough fluids consider purchasing rehydration beverages from the pharmacy.
When you feel like eating ensure that the food is bland and plain, such as bread or pasta.
You can normally look after yourself at home, but norovirus can have the most severe effects on children and elderly people (who typically have a weakened immune system and are more susceptible to catching noroviruses) and could potentially leave them dehydrated. It’s important to monitor them more closely and contact a medical professional if their health worsens.
Unfortunately, once you have become affected by norovirus you do not develop an immunity to it and can reportedly become infected again.
