Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It is the most common cause of gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, in the United States. Norovirus can spread through contact with an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth.
Symptoms of norovirus usually start 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last 1 to 3 days. They can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
Norovirus is usually not serious, but it can be dangerous for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. If you think you have norovirus, it is important to stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others to prevent the spread of the virus.
There is no specific treatment for norovirus, but there are things you can do to relieve symptoms:
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Take over-the-counter medications to relieve nausea and diarrhea.
- Rest.
See your doctor if your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days.
You can help prevent the spread of norovirus by:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoiding contact with people who are sick.
- Cooking food thoroughly.
- Washing fruits and vegetables before eating them.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that may have been contaminated with the virus.
Here are some additional facts about norovirus:
- Norovirus can survive for several days on surfaces and in food.
- It is challenging to kill norovirus, even with high temperatures.
- There is no vaccine for norovirus.
- The best way to prevent norovirus is to practice good hygiene.
If you think you have norovirus, seeing a doctor to rule out other causes of your symptoms is important. There are also some medications that can help relieve the symptoms of norovirus.
Here are some tips for preventing the spread of norovirus:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, or preparing food.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Cook food thoroughly.
- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that may have been contaminated with the virus.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from norovirus.
