Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the “stomach flu,” or gastroenteritis in people. 

 

Typically, people with norovirus infection develop diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain within 24 to 48 hours of exposure. Sometimes they will also suffer with a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a general sense of tiredness. These symptoms last one or two days, and most individuals recover completely without treatment. However, in some people, especially infants, older adults and others with underlying disease, vomiting and diarrhea can be severely dehydrating and require medical attention.

 

Norovirus infection is highly contagious. It is commonly spread through food or water and can be caught through close contact with an infected person. People are especially susceptible in closed or crowded environments. Individuals infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill until at least 3 days after recovery. 

 

Preventative measures which will decrease your chance of coming in contact with noroviruses include frequent hand washing, careful washing of fruits and vegetables, thorough cleaning and disinfecting of contaminated surfaces and washing of clothes and linens that may be contaminated with the virus. It is particularly important for people to use good hygienic practices after they have recently recovered from this illness. Hand sanitizing gels are not effective against noroviruses.

 

There is no vaccine to prevent norovirus infection, nor is there a specific treatment for this infection. Recovery generally depends on the health of your immune system. In most healthy people, the illness usually resolves within a few days. The key factor is to replace lost fluids. If you are unable to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration, you may need to seek medical attention.

 

If your family includes young children, it is a good idea to have a commercially prepared oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte, on hand. This and other oral rehydration solutions can be used to prevent or treat mild dehydration.

 

If you have additional questions or would like more information on the norovirus or rehydration solutions, please contact Jim Thompson or Asha Bohannon.