Norovirus illness is usually not serious.
Most people get better in 1 to 2 days. But,
norovirus illness can be serious in young
children, the elderly, and people with other
health conditions; it can lead to severe
dehydration, hospitalization and even death.
You may get dehydrated if you are not
able to drink enough liquids to replace the
fluids lost from throwing up or having
diarrhea many times a day. Symptoms of
dehydration include a decrease in urination,
a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy
when standing up. Children who are
dehydrated may also cry with few or no tears
and be unusually sleepy or fussy.
The best way to prevent dehydration is to
drink plenty of liquids. Oral rehydration
fluids are the most helpful for severe
dehydration. But other drinks without
caffeine or alcohol can help with mild
dehydration. However, these drinks may not
replace important nutrients and minerals
that are lost due to vomiting and diarrhea.
Norovirus can spread quickly from person
to person in crowded, closed places like
long-term care facilities, daycare centers,
schools, hotels, and cruise ships.
Noroviruses can also be a major cause of
gastroenteritis in restaurants and
catered-meal settings if contaminated food
is served.
The viruses are found in the vomit and
stool of infected people. You can get it by
- Eating food or drinking liquids that
are contaminated with norovirus (someone
gets stool or vomit on their hands, then
touches food or drink).
- Touching surfaces or objects
contaminated with norovirus and then
putting your hand or fingers in your
mouth.
- Having direct contact with a person
who is infected with norovirus (for
example, when caring for someone with
norovirus or sharing foods or eating
utensils with them).
People with norovirus illness are
contagious from the moment they begin
feeling sick until at least 3 days after
they recover. But, some people may be
contagious for even longer.
Norovirus: No Vaccine and No Treatment
There is no vaccine to prevent norovirus
infection. Also, there is no drug to treat
people who get sick from the virus.
Antibiotics will not help if you have
norovirus illness. This is because
antibiotics fight against bacteria, not
viruses. The best way to reduce your chance
of getting norovirus is by following some
simple tips.
Stop the Spread of Norovirus
Practice proper hand hygiene
Wash your hands carefully with soap and
water, especially after using the toilet and
changing diapers and always before eating or
preparing food. If soap and water aren't
available, use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer. These alcohol-based products can
quickly reduce the number of germs on hands
in some situations, but they are not a
substitute for washing with soap and water.
Take care in the kitchen
Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and
cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly
before eating them.
Do not prepare food while infected
People with norovirus illness should not
prepare food for others while they have
symptoms and for 3 days after they recover
from their illness
Clean and disinfect contaminated
surfaces
After throwing up or having diarrhea,
immediately clean and disinfect contaminated
surfaces by using a bleach-based household
cleaner as directed on the product label. If
no such cleaning product is available, you
can use a solution made with 5 tablespoons
to 1.5 cups of household bleach per 1 gallon
of water.
Wash laundry thoroughly
Immediately remove and wash clothing or
linens that may be contaminated with vomit
or stool. Handle soiled items
carefully—without agitating them—to avoid
spreading virus. If available, wear rubber
or disposable gloves while handling soiled
clothing or linens and wash your hands after
handling. The items should be washed with
detergent at the maximum available cycle
length and then machine dried.
~CDC