Norovirus cases are increasing in the US
Norovirus is extremely contagious and, as anyone who has had it can tell you, extremely unpleasant. The number of cases of the disease – which can cause nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea – is increasing in the United Statesaccording to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Here’s what you need to know about norovirus and how you can protect yourself.
What are norovirus symptoms? How long do they last?
The disease often causes vomiting and diarrhea. Some people may develop fever, body aches, or stomach pain. “You feel pretty awful,” said Dr. Michael Angarone, an infectious disease specialist at Northwestern Medicine.
“If you’ve ever had it, you know you’ve had it,” he added.
Typically, symptoms develop about 12 to 48 hours after a person is exposed to the virus. Most people infected with the virus will get better within one to three days. But norovirus can cause more severe illness in some patients, especially young children and the elderly. In rare cases, this can lead to hospitalization and even death. If you think you have norovirus and you feel very dizzy, or your urine turns dark or you don’t urinate at all, you should seek medical attention, doctors said.
How does norovirus spread?
Easy. Because the disease spreads through direct contact with the virus, the disease thrives in environments where people are close together, such as daycare centers and nursing homes. You can also get sick by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth. The virus can also spread through food when infected people handle food with small traces of feces on their hands, or when vomit particles from an infected person land on food.
To prevent infection, wash your hands often with soap and water, which is more effective than using hand sanitizer or alcohol sprays, said Dr. Stuart Ray, professor of infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins Medicine. “A quick spritz under the tap isn’t enough; you really need to lather up like you’re scrubbing for surgery,” said Dr. Ray.
You should wash your hands before and after eating and after taking public transportation, Dr. Angarone said, and avoid touching your face as much as possible. If you prepare fruits and vegetables at home, wash them carefully.
I think I have the norovirus. What would I do next?
It is difficult to distinguish norovirus from other sources of food poisoning or gastrointestinal problems because the symptoms can be so similar. If you think you have norovirus, isolate yourself from other people as much as possible. You are contagious as soon as you start feeling sick, According to the CDC, and you can still transmit the virus in the first few days after you recover. During that time, you should be especially careful with hand hygiene, said Dr. Ray.
Hydration is essential, especially if you vomit or have diarrhea several times a day. You may also want a drink with electrolytes or rehydration salts. Pepto-Bismol can help with nausea, said Dr. Angarone.
You will probably feel better within a few days. “For most of us, this disease progresses quite quickly,” said Dr. Angarone.