Cases of highly contagious norovirus making you feel bad are increasing. But what do we know about this virus, which has seen a rapid increase in cases in the USA and the UK in the past weeks?
What is nonovirus?
Noroviruses are a group of non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses. Norovirus has 48 genotypes currently known, divided into 10 broad groups, but the GII.4 genotype is the most common cause of the disease.
Although some immunity is developed after infection, this may not protect you from other types of viruses, and it is not known how long immunity lasts. Therefore, it is possible to have more than one infection at the same time, especially since there are many different strains of this virus in circulation. On average, people get this disease five times in their lifetime.
There is no vaccine for norovirus, but research has been ongoing since the World Health Organization made it a high priority in 2016. Unfortunately, for now, if you do get an infection, there’s not much you can do but wait for the disease to pass.
Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis
The most common symptoms are diarrhea and vomiting, which can be severe. Some people may also experience other symptoms such as fever or headache. Although norovirus is often referred to as the “stomach flu,” it actually has nothing to do with the flu virus. Symptoms normally begin 12-48 hours after exposure and typically last only one to three days.
For most people, there is no risk of serious complications from norovirus. However, it is important to pay attention to dehydration, especially in children and the elderly. It is important to drink plenty of fluids as the disease runs its course.
Norovirus is highly contagious and only a few viral particles are sufficient to contract the disease. You can contract the disease from contaminated surfaces and food, as well as from close contact with an infected person. It is most contagious during symptoms and during the first few days afterward, but some evidence indicates that you can continue to spread the virus for several weeks after you recover.
How to protect yourself from norovirus?
The best way to prevent the spread of disease is to follow good hygiene practices. Unfortunately, alcohol hand sanitizers stocked during the COVID-19 outbreak don’t work well against this virus, so your best bet is to use soap and water. You should wash your hands properly and often, as you should be accustomed to by now.
Surfaces should be cleaned with a bleach-based solution and less obvious areas such as doorknobs should not be forgotten. Any clothing or linen that may be contaminated should also be washed at 60°C. However, at this point, it is very important to remember that excessive or inappropriate use of substances such as bleach can bring very serious risks, and that you should use it carefully and appropriately.
If you do get sick, you must stay at home until you are symptom-free for 48 hours. This limitation also applies to children. Children should be kept out of school or kindergarten until they show no symptoms for 48 hours. You should also not visit people in hospitals or nursing homes during this time. Norovirus outbreaks are a major problem in these environments. You should also avoid preparing food for others until you are well.
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