Norovirus aka the Stomach Flu

What are noroviruses?

Noroviruses are completely unrelated to influenza, which is a respiratory virus.  Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis or, the “stomach flu” in humans.

Who gets norovirus?

Some people are more likely to become infected with norovirus and develop more severe illness than others.  Anyone can get a norovirus.  There are many different strains of norovirus, so it is difficult for a person to develop an immunity. 

How is norovirus spread?

Norovirus is passed in the stool or vomit of an infected person.  Norovirus is highly infectious.  Thorough hand washing following toileting and before handling of food is the best way to prevent the spread of norovirus.  Person’s ill with diarrhea or vomiting should not handle food, work in a day care, or care for patients in a health care facility until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.    Outbreaks have also been associated with drinking water and recreational water (i.e. swimming lakes) where persons may have swallowed water contaminated with fecal matter from an infected person.   Touching something that has been contaminated with the vomit or stool of an infected person can result in illness.

Symptoms?

The most common symptoms include a sudden onset of vomiting, watery, non-bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and headache.   Symptoms appear 12-60 hours after exposure to the virus, usually 24-48 hours after exposure. 

How long is a person infectious?

The person is infectious from the time of onset of symptoms to 48 hours after diarrhea or vomiting.

What is the treatment for Norovirus?

There is not treatment for norovirus.  Most people recover in 2-3 days.  It is important to drink fluids during and after the illness to prevent dehydration.