What is Norovirus?
Noroviruses have been called “the perfect human pathogens.” They’re a type of highly contagious stomach bug that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, along with headache, fever, and body aches. It spreads fast and far on surfaces and through the air in tiny droplets of vomit. Most people fully recover, but only after days of misery. Because it mutates, people can get sick with a norovirus every year. Outbreaks can occur at any time, but are most common from November to April.
How Does Norovirus Spread?
The virus travels in vomit and diarrhea. It spreads by direct contact with someone who has norovirus, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your fingers in your mouth. Contaminated food or liquids can also spread the virus. Shellfish, especially oysters and clams, are also known to spread the bug, because they are filter feeders and can accumulate the virus from untreated sewage flowing into their habitats.
What are Norovirus Symptoms? How Long Do They Last?
Symptoms begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last for about 1 to 3 days. Even after recovering, infected individuals can be contagious for two more weeks. One of the dangers of prolific vomiting and diarrhea is the loss of fluids, which can lead to severe dehydration. This is something to watch out for in children and the elderly in particular – children may not produce tears when crying, or be unusually fussy or sleepy, if they are dehydrated.
Why is Norovirus So Hard to Kill?
The most reliable way to stop the spread is washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially if you are preparing food, or after using the restroom or changing diapers. Hand sanitizer is not very effective against norovirus. While many viruses are contained in “envelopes” that are made of fat and can be broken by alcohol-based sanitizers, norovirus is contained in a hardy protein shell called a capsid. It’s not as easily wiped out by alcohol disinfectants.
How Can You Stay Protected?
Avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish can also reduce the risk of infection. Since norovirus can survive temperatures up to 145°F, quick steaming will not kill the virus. Even if you have had norovirus before, you can still be infected every year, because there are many different types of the bug, owing to the rapid mutation rate seen in RNA viruses like norovirus.
Conclusion
Norovirus is a highly contagious and difficult-to-kill virus that can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. It spreads quickly and easily, and can be found in many different settings, including cruise ships, nursing homes, hospitals, and preschools. To stay protected, it is important to wash your hands frequently, avoid raw or undercooked shellfish, and take steps to disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.
FAQs
Q: What are the symptoms of norovirus?
A: Symptoms of norovirus include severe vomiting and diarrhea, headache, fever, and body aches.
Q: How long do norovirus symptoms last?
A: Symptoms typically last for about 1 to 3 days, but infected individuals can be contagious for two more weeks.
Q: How does norovirus spread?
A: Norovirus spreads through direct contact with someone who has the virus, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your fingers in your mouth.
Q: Can norovirus be treated?
A: There is no specific medicine used to treat norovirus. Symptoms can be managed with oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte.
Q: Is there a vaccine for norovirus?
A: There is currently no approved vaccine for norovirus, although a phase three trial is underway using mRNA technology.
