NORO VIRUS - A STOMACH BUG




 WHAT IS NOROVIRUS?

 - Norovirus is a very contagious virus that induces vomiting and diarrhea upon infection. It is also called 'stomach bug' which got its name from the abdominal symptoms it causes in the patients.

Novo virus causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines and this condition is called acute gastroenteritis

It was the first viral agent shown to cause gastroenteritis


HOW DOES IT SPREAD?

                   -it is a water-borne disease and is mostly caused by the unhygienic practice

This can happen to you if you

·        eat food or drink liquids that are contaminated with the virus,

·        touching contaminated surfaces or objects with norovirus and then putting  your fingers in your mouth can spread the infection, or

·        if someone has the virus, then  direct contact with them such as by caring for them or sharing food or eating utensils with them can spread the virus

·        You can get norovirus by accidentally getting tiny particles of feces or vomit from an infected person in your mouth.




DOES IT PROVIDE LIFELONG IMMUNITY ?

·     one can get Norovirus infection several times in life as there are different types of these viruses which are constantly mutating and infection from one, may not provide protection against the rest of them. 



The symptoms can appear within 12 -48 hours of exposure to the virus.


The Good thing is that Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days.




Dehydration is a major health risk during the Norovirus attack.

Due to continuous vomiting and diarrhea, can Causes dehydration in children and older adults

 

How can you say if a person is dehydrated or not? well, you can watch the symptoms.

 

MAJOR CONCERN?

- Symptoms of Dehydration can be easily detected if you see a patient with

  • Decreased in urination
  • Dry mouth and throat
  • Feeling dizzy when standing up

 

For dehydrated Children, they may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy and inactive

Not all cases are symptomatic. some cases can be asymptomatic too which makes it harder to quarantine.



HOW TO PREVENT IT ?

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly; especially after using the bathroom, before eating, before cooking food, and before serving anyone food.

After each episode of vomiting and diarrhea, clean the entire household. Avoid eating sea foods like shells without cooking them properly as contaminated water is one of the main reasons for the spread of Norovirus.

 

You can cease the infection by following good hygiene and Remaining isolated for at least 3 days if you have been infected. 



 

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post

Subscribe

Get email notifications

Contact Form