Self diagnosing an illness at home can be an impossible task. In many cases, illnesses start with mild, cold-like symptoms. As the illness progresses, it may become easier to identify what is causing you to become sick, however, by that point the symptoms are likely severe. Norovirus is a contagious viral infection that causes gastrointestinal upset. Often referred to as the “stomach flu”, Norovirus can present with mild symptoms at first and progress rapidly into a severe illness. Keep reading to learn about what causes norovirus, how to treat it and when to seek urgent care for norovirus symptoms.
If you’re suffering from illness symptoms, seeking medical care early can help you avoid your symptoms from becoming severe. If you’re in need of urgent illness diagnosis and treatment, AFC Urgent Care North Bergen can help. Our walk-in clinic offers same-day illness care for patients in North Bergen, Fairview & Union City, NJ. Walk in when it’s convenient for you, or schedule an appointment online today.
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What Is Norovirus?
Norovirus, also referred to as the stomach bug or stomach flu, is an infection that can cause severe stomach-related symptoms. Norovirus can spread easily because usually symptoms don’t appear until 24 hours after being infected with the virus. Luckily, symptoms tend to only last one to three days.
Norovirus symptoms include:
- Stomach cramping
- Dehydration
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
Although norovirus is caused by a viral infection, you will not see typical viral infection symptoms such as congestion or a sore throat with a norovirus infection. In some cases, symptoms such as vomiting can cause you to experience a sore throat. However, norovirus does not typically cause coughing or a sore throat as a symptom. Sore throats are commonly associated with other types of viral infections, specifically infections that affect the upper respiratory system which includes your lungs, airway, sinuses and throat.
Is Norovirus Contagious?
Norovirus is highly contagious from person to person. Because it is a virus, it can spread the same way that colds and the flu spread. This means that if you come into contact with an infected person or touch the same surface as someone who has the virus, you can contract norovirus. This includes eating food that someone who has the virus has prepared.
It can be difficult to know whether someone has norovirus. This is especially true if you are eating at a restaurant, because you never know if someone who is preparing or coming in contact with your food is showing symptoms of norovirus. Norovirus can also be spread through infected shellfish and even water.
Treatment Options for Norovirus near North Bergen, NJ
Due to the fact that norovirus is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with the use of prescription antibiotics. In most cases, healthy adults can fight off the virus on their own within a few days. In some cases, such as those who are immunocompromised, norovirus can cause a severe infection. The elderly and young children should always seek medical attention if they are showing signs of norovirus so that they can be monitored.
The biggest risk of norovirus is dehydration. When you have norovirus, your body is purging trying to rid itself of the infection, you can lose a lot of body fluid very quickly. Because you lack an appetite in most cases, it can be difficult to stay hydrated or keep fluids down without further upsetting your stomach. If your symptoms carry on for more than 3 days, it is important that you seek medical support. Your medical provider will be able to administer fluids to help rehydrate you and suggest a treatment plan.
Walk Into AFC Urgent Care North Bergen for Same-Day Illness Care
Norovirus is a very common infection that can lead to severe illness. If you think you may have norovirus, it is critical that you monitor your symptoms and seek medical care if they are severe to prevent dehydration. At AFC Urgent Care North Bergen, our clinic maintains short wait times so that you can walk in and get the care that you need when it’s convenient for you.
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Our medical staff is board-certified and trained to diagnose and treat a variety of common illnesses, including norovirus. They will evaluate your symptoms and create a customized treatment plan to help you stay hydrated and recover quickly. Our facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art laboratory so that we can test to see exactly what is causing your symptoms for a more accurate diagnosis. We accept most medical insurance plans, and offer affordable care for patients paying directly for their medical care. Walk into the clinic today for rapid stomach bug symptom relief.
