Norovirus Signs and Symptoms: The Norovirus, an extremely contagious pathogen that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines, is rapidly spreading throughout the United States, sparking anxiety among health authorities and the public alike. To keep yourself safe from catching this virus infection, you need to ensure that you are well aware of all the signs and symptoms associated with this virus infection. In this article, we delve into the various signs that an show up in your body after getting infected by the highly contagious norovirus.
So, What exactly is Norovirus? You might have heard it called the ‘winter vomiting bug’. Norovirus is a bunch of similar viruses causing a nasty condition (acute gastroenteritis) in humans, big and small. Leading the charts for foodborne sickness globally, it’s notorious for sparking off stomach bugs everywhere from cruise ships and schools to healthcare centres. Super easy to catch, Norovirus zooms from one person to another – through germ-laden food or water, touching grubby surfaces, or being in close quarters with someone infected.
Signs and Symptoms of Norovirus Infection
Within 12 to 48 hours post exposure, Norovirus starts showing its ugly face. Typical signs to watch for:
- Feeling sick and throwing up: It often barges in with a sudden attack of nausea, quick to escalate into violent vomiting that just doesn’t seem to stop.
- Diarrhea: The bug can make people have loose or watery poos, and stomach cramps causing serious discomfort.
- Painful stomach cramps: This nasty virus can also bring on sharp belly aches alongside bloating and wind.
- Fever and body pain: Some unlucky folks might also have to put up with low fever, splitting headaches, and creaky muscles.
- Dehydrated: Extreme vomiting and diarrhea can leave victims parched, especially risky for babies and toddlers, the elderly, and people with weakened armies (immune systems).
How To Stay Safe From Norovirus?
Norovirus spread can be nipped in the bud with good hygiene habits and safe food handling rules. Key practices to follow:
- Wash hands: It’s a must to clean hands with soap and water for 20 seconds at least, post toilet visit, changing nappies, and before you even think of touching food.
- Clean surfaces: Tidy up and disinfect things that hands touch a lot, like handles, worktops, and kid’s stuff, using a bleach product.
- Don’t eat iffy food or drink: Make sure you stick to safe, well-cooked feeds and drinks, and dodge waters that might be infested.
- Play safe when sick: If you’ve got the bug, best to stay put at home to avoid spreading the virus around.
- Stick to safe food handling: Follow right food prep rules, such as heating grub up to recommended temperatures and separate raw from cooked items.
If severe signs of the bug persist like constant vomit, high temperature, or dehydration, get medical help at once. Doctor’s care comes in handy to manage these and ward off any extra troubles the virus might cause.
Norovirus is a potent virus rapidly doing rounds in the United States right now. By getting the lowdown on Norovirus, spotting its sneaky symptoms, and taking steps to curb its transmission, we can keep ourselves and loved ones safe from it. Stay alert, keep up tidy habits, and don’t hesitate to ask for medical aid when in need. Here’s to squashing Norovirus spread!
