Symptoms and Transmission of Norovirus

Also known as the stomach flu and originaly the Norwalk Agent, the norovirus affects your gastrointestinal system. It is a family of viruses that is responsible for up to 90% of stomach flu outbreaks in the world as well as around 50% food related outbreaks. It really is a common infection that comes on seemingly without warning and appears to spread quickly. There are various symptoms and preventative measures involved with the norovirus so knowing the facts helps you remain healthy during 2010 and every other year that the norovirus poses a threat to you and your family.

Symptoms

Symptoms of norovirus include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. All of these symptoms are flu-like. They are accompanied by nausea and diarrhea. According to Medicinenet.Com, the symptoms of diarrhea are commonly in children whereas vomiting is often experienced by adults with the virus. The symptoms associated with norovirus typically last 2 or 3 days. Moderate to severe abdominal cramping may or may not be experienced during the infection.

Transmission

Noroviruses are apparent in fecal matter, saliva, sweat and vomit of someone who is infected. It is very easily spread by eating food or drinks prepared by someone who has not washed their hands after coming into contact with norovirus. Direct contact with someone with the symptoms also puts you at risk.

In particular people who work in daycares or other school settings are at high risk and must take extra precautions when at work by using hand sanitizers and immunity boosters. Getting a flu shot doesn't prevent getting a norovirus because although they present flu-like symptoms, noroviruses are not related to influenza.

Other Facts and Treatment

Noroviruses are not affected by the administration of antibiotic medication. This means taking penicilin to get rid of this flu-like infection will be completely pointless. This virus also cannot grow outside of the human body. This means that infection must spread quickly from person to person.

Symptoms usually occur about 24 hours after coming into contact with someone who is infected with a norovirus. By this time you are contagious and have possibly spread the viruses to others. People also remain contagious for up to 2 weeks after recovering from a norovirus.

Since no vaccines exist to treat or prevent norovirus, treating the virus isn't an option. It comes and goes on its own in even healthy individuals. However, in children, elderly and people with compromised immune systems it is necessary to keep dehydration away by drinking plenty of liquids while sick.