If you suddenly start vomiting or if you get diarrhea, you could have norovirus.
Norovirus, also known as the “stomach bug” or “stomach flu,” is extremely contagious, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Norovirus is known as the “winter vomiting disease” as well, since it is more common during the months of December, January and February. As children return to school, and during times of the year when people gather more inside, norovirus cases can spike.
Each year, more than 19 million people are infected with norovirus and 109,000 are hospitalized. It is important to note that even though some people refer to norovirus as the “stomach flu,” norovirus is not an influenza (flu) virus.
Risk Factors
Anyone can become infected with norovirus at any time. However, the following groups of people may be more likely to become infected, may experience norovirus more often or may have more severe cases than others:
- People who eat undercooked or raw shellfish
- People with weak or compromised immune systems
- Older adults
- Children 5 years or younger
Symptoms
In cases of norovirus, the stomach or intestines get inflamed. Symptoms of norovirus start 12 hours to two days after becoming infected. If the stomach is inflamed, you vomit, and if the intestines are inflamed, you get diarrhea.
Other symptoms of norovirus can include:
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Nausea
- Body aches
- Headache
- Fever
Vomiting and diarrhea can result in dehydration, so it’s important to look out for dehydration symptoms, which can include:
- Feeling unusually tired
- Dizziness when standing
- Dry throat and mouth
- Not urinating enough
The good news is that the symptoms of norovirus usually do not last long. Most people with healthy immune systems will get better quickly, usually within a day or two. However, people who have been infected with norovirus can spread it to others up to two weeks after their symptoms disappear.
Spreading
You can get infected with norovirus by:
- Touching surfaces or objects with the virus on them and then touching your face without washing your hands
- Drinking liquids or eating food contaminated with norovirus
- Eating food made by someone with norovirus
- Sharing utensils or food with someone with norovirus
- Caring for someone with norovirus
Tips to try to prevent yourself from getting infected with norovirus include:
- Disinfecting surfaces around you, and using a disinfectant spray for the air when indoors
- Making sure your home has a good ventilation system
- Handwashing frequently
- Washing vegetables and fruits before eating them
- Cooking shellfish thoroughly
- Washing your clothes in hot water
I May Have Norovirus. What Should I Do?
If you believe that you have contracted norovirus, it is important to take the following steps to help yourself feel better and recover as fast as possible.
Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Vomiting and diarrhea can dehydrate you very quickly, so it is important to continue to replace the liquid that you lose. Oral rehydration drinks and powders, such as Liquid I.V. ®️, Pedialyte®️, Gatorlyte®️ and others, are recommended for staying hydrated because they can restore the body’s electrolyte balance.
Also, make sure you wash your hands and clean all contaminated items that you have come in contact with to make sure you don’t spread norovirus.
Besides staying hydrated, washing your hands and sanitizing objects, the best thing to do for a norovirus case is to wait it out by resting at home. Antibiotics should not be taken since norovirus is not a bacterial infection. Stay home from work or school while resting to ensure that you do not spread the virus to your peers.
If you have norovirus symptoms and would like to see a medical provider, UofL Physicians – Primary Care or UofL Health – Urgent Care Plus can help. If you or a loved one have contracted norovirus and have had symptoms such as extreme stomach pain, diarrhea that lasts more than two days and blood in your stool, seek medical attention as quickly as possible at a UofL Health emergency room.
