Norovirus
Exposure to Norovirus gastroenteritis, is not limited to cruise ships, you can get it right here at home. Norovirus is a group of viruses causing severe vomiting and diarrhea that can cause gastroenteritis. It is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines and the leading cause of food borne illnesses, and it’s very contagious. It can start suddenly. Norovirus “outbreaks” occur most often between November and April in countries above the equator and between April and September in countries below the equator, with no specific “season” for outbreaks in areas on the equator.
It’s commonly spread through contaminated food during food preparation on infected surfaces, or contaminated water. You can get infected by touching your hand to your mouth after your hand has been in contact with a contaminated surface or object or being in close contact with a person who has Norovirus infection. A Norovirus infection has diarrhea, stomach pain and vomiting that usually starts 12 to 48 hours after exposure and the infection symptoms usually last 1 to 3 days. Most people recover completely without treatment. However, for some people —especially older adults and people with other medical conditions, the vomiting and diarrhea can be severely dehydrating and require medical attention. Norovirus infection can occur more frequently in closed-in, crowded environments, such as: hospitals, ‘classrooms’ of sorts, “gathering places”, cruise ships, and even restaurants. You’re most contagious during the acute phase of the infection when you have symptoms and for a few days after. But you can still be contagious for up to two weeks after recovering.
Norovirus causes gastroenteritis, which some people may call the “Stomach Flu” However, the influenza (flu) virus causes respiratory Flu, NOT gastroenteritis. The two different viruses cause two different conditions, affecting two different body systems. Many different viruses can infect your gastrointestinal system, causing gastroenteritis. The most common ones are: (a) Norovirus -estimated to account for 50% of cases GI problems worldwide, (b) Rotavirus and the Astrovirus—mostly affect children; (c) Adenovirus – most often cause respiratory infections, but they can cause some gastrointestinal infections if you accidentally ingest the virus. And, yes, you can get Norovirus more than once. There are several types of Noroviruses. Your body may build a small immunity (protection from the virus) to the initial type of Norovirus, but not all types. This means you can get sick with Norovirus multiple times throughout your life.
There are certain people who are more vulnerable to getting this infection or a more severe infection: a person with a weaker-than-average immune system, a chronic disease affecting their immunity, taking immuno-suppressant medications and seniors.
Risk factors for becoming infected are: eating in a place where food has been handled by someone with Norovirus infection [especially poor hand washing procedures], the food has been in contact with contaminated water or surfaces, living in close quarters, i.e. in hotels, resorts, cruise ships or other destinations with many people in close quarters, having contact with someone who has Norovirus infection.
How can you help prevent getting infected or spreading it to others, including: (a) Hand washing – good hand washing is the most important defense against all viruses since hand sanitizers aren’t always effective. It’s especially important to wash after going to the bathroom, and before encountering food – wash hands before AND after food preparation/touching food. Hand washing is under- estimated as to how effective this is in combating infections! (b) Cleaning-wash and disinfect any surfaces or materials that you or the infected person has touched, (c) Safe food handling- Food may be contaminated with stomach viruses, bacteria or other organisms. People already infected with gastroenteritis should avoid handling/preparing food for others until that person is fully recovered – with no symptoms at all, at minimum of 3 days. Carefully rinse fruits and vegetables, and thoroughly cook shellfish before serving, (d) Avoid potluck meals or homemade items to reduce exposure to potentially contaminated food during Norovirus outbreaks, (e) Stay home if you’re sick.
For most people dealing with gastroenteritis, is uncomplicated and self-limited, and resolves. BUT,those with “susceptible ” situations, may experience increased symptoms/complications including: (a) dehydration – when you lose too many fluids and electrolytes from diarrhea/vomiting, and you can’t replace/“ hold down” fluids – have: thirst, decreased / lack of or dark-colored urine, lack of/hard bowel movements, weakness/malaise, some mental “confusion/ability to focus/ headache, sunken eyes – crying without tears, dry mouth/lips/tongue. Other things to take seriously, (A) your symptoms haven’t improved after 3-4 four days, (B) you’ve had an on-going fever for a few days, (C) have blood in your bowel movement and or severe abdominal pain.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not put off seeing your doctor to deal with your dehydration, uncontrolled vomiting/nausea/diarrhea and/or other symptoms un-treated dehydration can create serious complications with your cardiac status and general well-being and safety.
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