What is Norovirus, signs, and symptoms?

Norovirus

Norovirus is an infection that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It is commonly spread through contaminated food and water or contaminated surfaces. Norovirus can also be spread through close contact with an infected person. In most cases, Norovirus patients heal fully without treatment. Noro Virus infection mostly occurs in overcrowded areas.

Causes of Norovirus.

This infection can be spread easily from person to person. It is found in stool and vomit. The virus can be spread from the first time noticing the symptoms and signs until several days after recovery. A person can contract Norovirus through the following ways

  • Intake of contaminated food.
  • Taking contaminated water.
  • Touching the mouth after direct contact with a contaminated surface.
  • Close contact with an infected person.

In addition, Noroviruses are hard to destroy because they can withstand all types of temperatures and many disinfectants.

Signs and symptoms of Norovirus.

Norovirus symptoms

Immediate signs and symptoms of Norovirus include

  • Nausea.

This is the feeling of the need to vomit even without eating. This causes discomfort and uneasiness.

  • Pain in the stomach.

Patients diagnosed with the Norovirus experience stomach pain. In addition, cramps can be experienced in the lower part of the stomach. This signifies an infection in the stomach.

  • Loose diarrhea.

This is where a person passes a watery stool. This sign is treated with urgency as there is a need to frequently visit the washroom.

Muscle pain.

This is a type of pain experienced around the muscles due to an infection.

  • Low-grade fever.

This is defined as a body temperature of about 37.2 degrees and 37.9 degrees Celsius. It is not considered to be a cause of alarm because the body heats up in order to make it difficult for the disease cells to survive in the body.

Signs and symptoms normally start between 12 to 48 hours after the first exposure to Norovirus and can last up to three days. However, a person can continue shedding the virus in the stool even after recovery.

Treatment and prevention.

The spread of this infection is so fast. Therefore in order to prevent the virus, the following precautions can be taken

  • Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water.
  • Washing fruits and vegetables before eating.
  • Avoiding contaminated food and water.
  • Disinfect previously contaminated surfaces.
  • Taking caution when traveling by avoiding street foods.

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