How to Spot, Treat, and Stop the Spread of Norovirus This Season
It’s that time of year again: stomach bugs seem to show up out of nowhere. One minute you’re fine, and the next you’re racing for the bathroom.
One of the most common culprits behind these sudden flare-ups is norovirus, a highly contagious virus that can sweep through schools, workplaces, and households during the winter months.
Unlike the flu, norovirus primarily targets the digestive tract. But, before you start panicking, there’s good news: for most people, it’s short-lived and manageable with rest and hydration.
Common Norovirus Symptoms To Watch For
Norovirus has a reputation for hitting fast and hard. Typical norovirus symptoms usually show up within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and leave just as quickly.
Common signs include:
Sudden vomiting
Watery diarrhea
Stomach cramps or discomfort
Nausea
Headache or body aches
Low-grade fever
In some cases, dehydration becomes the main concern. Signs include:
Dark urine
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Decreased urination
And here’s the tricky part: some people can carry and transmit norovirus without feeling very sick themselves, which is one reason it spreads so easily.
How To Treat Norovirus At Home
There’s no antiviral medication that cures norovirus directly, and antibiotics won’t help because it’s a virus, not a bacterial infection.
Instead, experts recommend focusing on supportive care. Here’s how to ride it out comfortably:
Prioritize Hydration: Water, oral rehydration solutions, and clear broths are great choices. Sports drinks can help replace lost electrolytes, though they’re sometimes high in sugar.
Rest: Your body heals faster when you’re not running on empty.
Eat Gently: When you feel ready, try the BRAT approach – bananas, rice, applesauce, toast.
Skip Alcohol While Recovering: It can dehydrate you further and slow healing.
Some people temporarily become lactose intolerant after norovirus, so dairy products might be tough to handle at first.
But, if you're struggling to keep fluids down or if signs of dehydration worsen, that’s a cue to contact your doctor.
Norovirus Contagious Period
One wrinkle that makes norovirus notorious is its staying power. People can be contagious:
From the moment symptoms start, and
For up to two weeks after recovery in some cases
That means, even after you feel better, you can still spread it to others if you’re not careful with your hygiene.
Norovirus Prevention Tips
Stopping norovirus in its tracks mostly comes down to good habits:
Wash your hands with soap and water. Hand sanitizer alone isn’t reliable against norovirus particles.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, faucets) daily if someone is sick.
Wash the laundry from an infected person thoroughly, especially towels and bedding.
Avoid preparing food for others when you’re sick and for a couple of days after you feel better.
Steer clear of sharing utensils, drinks, or food with someone who’s recently been sick.
Outbreaks often peak in winter and early spring, making this season a good time to be extra diligent.
Stomach Bug vs. Norovirus?
Norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis, but not all stomach bugs are the same.
If symptoms are mild and improve within a couple of days, it’s commonly norovirus or a similar virus.
A few clues that you should reach out for medical care include:
Severe dehydration
Blood in your vomit or stool
High fever
Symptoms lasting more than 72 hours
Confusion, lethargy, or signs of serious illness
These can point to complications or different infections that deserve a doctor’s attention.
Norovirus Can Be Rough, But You Can Get Through It
Catching norovirus feels about as pleasant as its nickname, the stomach flu, but most people who get sick recover fully with hydration and rest.
The real challenge is keeping it from spreading through your home or office.
Be sure to stay hydrated, don’t rush back to social life too early, and embrace extra hand-washing. And, remember: this, too, shall pass.
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