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Beware of Norovirus

We have all been there. Being in a sound sleep and waking to your child saying they are sick or hearing them get sick in their beds or bathroom. It is the absolute worst feeling as a parent because you know generally this is going to spread throughout the entire household and you can count on being down for several days plus the immense loads of laundry that usually happen with this dreaded illness. Beware of norovirus! It seems to always hit at the worst times, but personally to me there is no right time for this to happen.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.

It is sometimes called the “stomach flu” or the “stomach bug.” However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines.

Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days; but they can still spread the virus for a few days after.

You can get norovirus illness many times in your life because there are many different types of noroviruses. Infection with one type of norovirus may not protect you against other types.

It is possible to develop protection against specific types. But it is not known exactly how long protection lasts. This may explain why so many people of all ages get infected during norovirus outbreaks.

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus.

Most common symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain
Other symptoms: Fever, headache, and body aches

Dehydration

If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids), especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration include:

Decreased urination
Dry mouth and throat
Feeling dizzy when standing up
Crying with few or no tears
Unusual sleepiness or fussiness

Who is at risk?

Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus and people of all ages get infected during norovirus outbreaks. Your likelihood of getting a norovirus infection is also determined in part by your genes.

If eaten raw, oysters and other filter-feeding shellfish can contain viruses and bacteria that can cause illness or death. Anyone who consumes raw shellfish is at risk of contracting norovirus. Children younger than 5 years old, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections.

Norovirus spreads very easily and quickly in different ways. You can get norovirus by:

Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, like caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.
Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.

You can still spread norovirus for 2 weeks or more after you feel better.