Norovirus aka The Stomach Bug aka GI Flu

April 2022 – It’s going around!

Norovirus infection can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea that start suddenly. Noroviruses are highly contagious. They commonly spread through food or water that is contaminated during preparation or through contaminated surfaces. Noroviruses can also spread through close contact with a person who has norovirus infection. Diarrhea, stomach pain and vomiting typically begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Norovirus infection symptoms usually last 1 to 3 days. Most people recover completely without treatment. However, for some people — especially young children, older adults and people with other medical conditions — vomiting and diarrhea can be severely dehydrating and require medical attention. 

Signs and symptoms of norovirus infection may start suddenly and include: Nausea Vomiting Stomach pain or cramps Watery or loose diarrhea Feeling ill Low-grade fever Muscle pain You can continue to shed virus in your stool for several weeks after recovery. This shedding can last weeks to months if you have another medical condition. Seek medical attention if you develop diarrhea that doesn’t go away within several days. Also call your health care provider if you experience severe vomiting, bloody stools, stomach pain or dehydration. 

Warning signs of dehydration include:

•  Fatigue 
• Dry mouth and throat 
• Listlessness 
• Dizziness 
• Decreased urine output 

Children who are dehydrated might cry with few or no tears. They might be unusually sleepy or fussy. 

When to take someone to the ER: 

For infants and toddlers, persistently dry diapers are a sign of dehydration. If your baby is younger than 6 months and produces little to no urine in 4 to 6 hours, or if your toddler produces little to no urine in 6 to 8 hours, she may be dehydrated. Rapid breathing and a weak but rapid pulse can indicate severe dehydration. The child will also have less awareness of his surroundings or will not be alert. His lips and mouth will look very dry and the skin may be doughy and wrinkled. Call 911 immediately if you notice these signs. If the person becomes unresponsive If the vomiting and diarrhea lasts longer than 3 days. It could be sooner in small children and the elderly. No urine output x 12 hours for older children and the elderly 

To prevent norovirus infection: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before you prepare food and eat or drink. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers aren’t as effective against noroviruses as using soap and water. Avoid contaminated food and water, including food that could have been prepared by someone who was sick. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating. Cook seafood thoroughly. Disinfect surfaces that might have been contaminated. Wear gloves and use a chlorine bleach solution or a disinfectant that is effective against noroviruses. Use caution when traveling. If you’re traveling to areas with a high risk of norovirus infection, consider eating only cooked foods, drinking only hot or carbonated beverages, and avoiding food sold by street vendors. To help prevent norovirus infection spread, during illness and for 2 to 3 days after your symptoms end: Avoid contact with others as much as possible. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. 

Stay home from work. Children should stay home from school or child care. Avoid handling food and items to be used by other people. 

Disinfect contaminated surfaces with a disinfectant effective against noroviruses. Dispose of vomit and stool carefully. Wearing disposable gloves, soak up material with disposable towels. Disturb soiled material as little as possible to avoid spreading noroviruses by air. Place soiled items in plastic bags and place them in the trash. Remove and wash clothes and linens that may be contaminated. Avoid traveling until 2 to 3 days after your symptoms are gone. The best treatment is time and fluids. 

Children and the elderly can become dehydrated at a faster rate than adults. To prevent dehydration in children, offer popsicles, an electrolyte drink such as Pedialyte or Gatorade. If the child is still in diapers, ensure frequent changes to avoid diaper rash and to monitor urine output. During this time parents may be concerned that their child is not getting enough to eat. Food is not important during this time. Ease back into eating. Try to eat small amounts of food frequently if you experience nausea. Otherwise, gradually begin to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as soda crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, applesauce, rice and chicken. Stop eating if your nausea returns. Avoid milk and dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods for a few days. Fluids and rest are best!