NOROVIRUS
What it is:
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
It is sometimes called the "stomach flu" or the "stomach bug." However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines.
Signs and symptoms:
A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus.
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Most common symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain
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Other symptoms: Fever, headache, and body aches
Dehydration:
If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids), especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
- Crying with few or no tears
- Unusual sleepiness or fussiness
If you have norovirus illness, you should drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost from vomiting and diarrhea. This will help prevent dehydration.
How it spreads:
Norovirus spreads very easily and quickly in different ways. You can get norovirus by:
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Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, like caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.
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Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
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Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.
You can still spread norovirus for 2 weeks or more after you feel better.
Prevention:
Norovirus is very contagious, but you can take steps to protect yourself and others, including:
- Wash your hands well and often.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
- Wash laundry in hot water.
- Stay home when sick for 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop.
Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days.
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