Norovirus or previously known as Norwalk virus is the main cause of stomach flu. The stomach flu itself is a condition that makes you suffer from diarrhea and vomiting due to inflammation or infection of the walls of the digestive tract.
This virus can survive in hot, cold temperatures, and is immune to disinfectants. Although it can heal on its own, norovirus infection has the potential to cause complications. Complications that may occur due to this viral infection include constipation, malnutrition, and dyspepsia.
Is the norovirus contagious?
According to data from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is the culprit gastroenteritis (stomach flu) which attacks 19-21 million people in Uncle Sam's country per year. This virus causes hospitalization of 56–71 thousand people, with the number reaching 570–800 each year.
This virus attacks many children and the elderly. Based on reports in Nicaragua and Mexico, norovirus was found in the feces of children who did not show gastrointestinal disturbances.
In 1982, Kaplan et al. Reported an outbreak rate of norovirus infection of nearly 1500 people in a small community in Georgia. The main cause of this outbreak was the contamination of water sources with industrial waste.
In addition, norovirus can also be spread through the feces and vomit of infected humans and animals. A number of conditions that can allow you to catch the norovirus include:
- Eating the food of an infected person
- Drink the drink of an infected person
- Touching the mouth of an infected person with hands
The norovirus transmission occurs most often in closed environments with large numbers of people. Some of the places where the virus is often transmitted include hospitals, schools, daycare centers, nursing homes, and cruise ships.
Common norovirus symptoms
The symptoms of norovirus depend on how long you have been infected with this virus. If the virus has infected the body for 12 to 48 hours, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Gag
- Stomach cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Chills
- Mild fever
- Pain in several parts of the body
Meanwhile, a viral infection that has lasted for 24 to 72 hours can trigger symptoms in the form of:
- Dazed
- Fatigue
- Sleepy
- The body feels sluggish
- Fast heart rate
- Dry mouth and throat
- Urine turns dark in color
- The amount of urine that comes out is reduced
Diarrhea and vomiting have the potential to make the body get dehydrated. Dehydration can be dangerous and life-threatening to people with weak immune systems, the elderly, children, and recipients of organ transplants.
If you experience symptoms that interfere with activities, immediately consult a doctor. In addition, you should also see a doctor if the stools you pass during diarrhea are mixed with blood.
How to deal with norovirus infection
Norovirus infection cannot be treated. Generally, treatment is carried out to prevent dehydration and to treat the symptoms that arise due to this viral infection.
Preventing dehydration can be done by carrying fluid intake in the body. In children and adults who are elderly, dehydration can cause serious health problems and can threaten the safety of their lives.
To treat dehydration, you can take oral rehydration fluids, such as ORS. Some people who are dehydrated may have difficulty being asked to drink fluids. In this case, the person who is dehydrated can get fluids through an IV.
Can norovirus be prevented?
- Washing fruits and vegetables before eating
- Cook seafood until completely cooked
- Do not travel until your symptoms have completely disappeared
- Do not consume food or drink for people who are sick
- Cleaning the hands or body parts contaminated with disinfectants
- Dispose of vomit and feces carefully to avoid spreading the virus through the air
- Diligent washing hands using soap, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers
- Keeping the environment clean and especially drinking water sources
