Noro Virus is a type of viral infection that can cause various conditions related to gut health. Although referred as the winter vomiting bug, it can occur at the onset of winter or at the end of the summers it usually leads to an outbreak.

It is highly contagious and usually spreads through oral or faecal modes. It can spread from being in the vicinity of an infected person through direct or indirect contact or through contaminated food and water. It can also spread through the air circulated in a polluted environment.

The symptoms usually start showing up 12 to 48 hours after getting infected and lasts for 3-4 days. Although in many cases, it subsides on its own but in some acute cases, it might cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea and require prompt medical attention. Also Read: Diarrhoea In Kids: The Role Of Probiotics

This virus can withstand extreme temperature conditions and mostly thrives in crowded places, closed quarters, public toilets, hospitals, cruise ships, schools etc. Infants, young children and older people suffering from a weakened immune system are most likely to get this infection.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of norovirus include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Painful stomach ache like ulcers
• Watery or loose diarrhoea
• Fever and chills
• Body aches or myalgias
• Feeling unwell or lethargic
• Headache

Diagnosis and Prevention

The symptoms are generally diagnosed by a gastroenterologist after a thorough physical analysis and knowledge about the person’s past medical history following a stool sample.

Although there is no specific treatment for this viral infection, in case of severe weakness, accompanied by diarrhoea that lasts for several days, the doctor may prescribe oral rehydration solutions to replace the lost fluids.

One can also make few changes in the dietary choices to limit the loss of fluids through diarrhoea by adding soups, boiled vegetables, banana, yoghurt, starches and cereals into the diet. Also Read: The Best Diet to Treat IBS Symptoms

Norovirus infection can be prevented by following a few preventive measures:

Wash the hands with soap and water after coming from the outside or changing a baby’s diaper.

Disposing of the contaminated items.

Wash the raw vegetables and fruits to get rid of the harmful germs.

Cook the vegetables or fishes properly before eating.

In case, you have a patient suffering from this viral infection, keep all the items and used clothes separately and wash them with disinfectants to remove all the bacteria and other harmful germs.