Norovirus prevention Norovirus is a group of viruses that affect stomach and intestines and causes enterogastritis as well as poisoning. Persons susceptible to get Norovirus: Anyone can have poisoning several times because of this virus. Symptoms Poisoning starts all of a sudden with severe pain attacks in form of stomach contractions associated with vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. Other less common symptoms might follow and these include high temperature, quivers, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. Dryness might occur if the patient gets dehydrated due to frequent vomiting and diarrhea. Dryness symptoms include urination, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness, less tears, increasing feeling of sleepiness, and emission of body odors. Different names for similar symptoms Norovirus symptoms might overlap with several symptoms for other diseases. That is why it is also known as food poisoning or stomach flu. While it is true that norovirus can cause food poisoning, it is also true that some germs and chemicals can cause food poisoning as well. How dangerous is Norovirus? Normally, it is not a dangerous disease as most those who get inflicted get well two days later. However, it can pose serious health threats to little children and elderly people who suffer from other medical conditions. It can cause severe dehydration that leads to death. Norovirus and food The main cause of this disease is contaminated food, especially fresh food or that served without cooking such as lettuce, fresh fruits, and raw oysters. These can be contaminated with Norovirus. How does Norovirus spread? It can be transmitted from one person to another in crowded and closed places such as long-term care facilities, daycare centers, schools, hotels, tourist ships, restaurants working during Haj. How does the virus transmit? • Viruses appear in Norovirus carrier's stool; therefore, eating or drinking something using contaminated hands can transmit the virus to other people. • Touching contaminated surfaces and putting fingers or hands in the mouth. • Direct contact with an infected person or when taking care of or sharing food in the same plates with an infected person. When does the infection begin? The symptoms start to manifest when a person feels nausea and continues for three days at least after treatment. However, some patients who get treated from the virus might continue to have the ability to transmit the virus to others even after a long time of getting well. Is there a treatment for Norovirus? There is no vaccine or special medication for Norovirus. Antibiotics do not help in treating or preventing the virus because they fight bacteria not viruses. However, dehydration caused by vomit and diarrhea must be treated. Best way to prevent dehydration In cases of severe dehydration, a physician must be consulted. A patient becomes dehydrated and loses important minerals because of vomiting and diarrhea. That is why it is important to compensate for such loss by drinking water and liquids, especially liquids that treat severe cases of dehydration. In cases of moderation dehydration, drinking zero-caffeine drinks can alleviate the severity of dehydration. Best methods to stop Norovirus spread: Follow these simple tips: Wash your hands: Wash your hands well with soap and water several times after using the toilet, changing diapers, before eating, or during food preparation. If you don't have water and soap, use hand sanitizers which contain alcohol. They can kill germs fast but they should be considered as a substitute for water and soap. Keep your kitchen clean: Wash fruits and vegetables well and cook oyster and fish well before serving. Avoid preparing food if you are infected: Anyone who has Norovirus should not cook food for others. The same thing applied to those who continue to manifest same symptoms three days after treatment. Keep surfaces clean: Surfaces and toilets as well as unclean places should be cleaned by using strong disinfectants or, if not available, soap and Clorox. Wash clothes immediately if contaminated: Wash stool- or vomit-contaminated clothes or carpets immediately to avoid the spread of the virus. Wear rubber gloves while cleaning and always wash your hands after cleaning. Clothes must be washed with cleaning products several times before being dried out in a dryer.
