Norovirus is the leading cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. The virus is highly contagious and can survive outside the body for several days and in extreme temperatures.
People usually start showing symptoms 12–48 hours after they contract the virus, but can spread it before the symptoms start. You can get norovirus more than once in your life.
Symptoms of norovirus infection include:
- nausea and vomiting;
- watery or loose stools;
- abdominal cramps and pain;
- fever and chills;
- weakness;
- headache;
- muscle pain.
Dehydration often occurs along with other symptoms, and is especially dangerous for infants, young children, seniors, and people with weakened immune system and other health problems.
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In healthy people, symptoms usually subside on their own after about three days, but they can still spread the virus for 2 weeks or more after the symptoms go away. When you’re sick, it’s important to stay hydrated and continue your diet once appetite comes back. Good options are soup, plain noodles, rice, pasta, potatoes, crackers and bread, fresh fruit and cooked vegetables, yogurt, and lean proteins, e.g. chicken or fish.
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In most cases, people become infected after consuming contaminated foods, touching contaminated surfaces and objects and then touching their mouth, and coming into contact with an infected person.
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The spread of norovirus can be prevented with the help of the following measures:
- thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before cooking;
- thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, especially before consuming them raw;
- avoiding uncooked seafood;
- don’t eat food prepared by someone who is sick with norovirus, refrain from cooking if you’re infected;
- clean contaminated surfaces with chlorine bleach;
- if you have the symptoms, stay home for the whole time you’re sick and at least 2 days after (preferably 3 days); children should stay home from school or child care if they are sick;
- refrain from travelling until your symptoms are gone.