Experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, and uncertainty about the cause? Perhaps your favorite restaurant isn't to blame for making you sick; it could be the stomach flu, also known as Norovirus.
AFC Urgent Care Southington has compiled a guide to help you understand Norovirus, its symptoms, and effective prevention methods!
What is Norovirus?
According to the CDC, Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that often manifests symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus infection can affect anyone, and while it's commonly dubbed the "stomach flu" or "stomach bug," it's crucial to differentiate it from the flu caused by the influenza virus.
In the United States, Norovirus stands as the primary cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illnesses.
Norovirus Symptoms:
Most Common Symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
Nausea
- Other Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
It's worth noting that Norovirus induces acute gastroenteritis, inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Symptoms usually surface 12 to 48 hours after exposure to Norovirus. While most individuals recover within 1 to 3 days, it's crucial to be aware that they may remain contagious, capable of spreading the virus for a few days afterward.
Dehydration Symptoms:
- Decrease in urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
Recognizing these dehydration symptoms is particularly crucial in young children due to the vomiting and diarrhea, which can contribute to dehydration.
How does Norovirus Spread?
- Norovirus and Contaminated Food: You can contract Norovirus if a person with the virus touches food with their bare hands or if food is placed on a surface contaminated with fecal or vomit particles.
- Norovirus through Contaminated Water: Water can become contaminated when a person with Norovirus vomits or defecates in it, or when water isn't treated properly.
- Norovirus Spreading through Sick People and Contaminated Surfaces: This occurs when a person with Norovirus touches surfaces with their bare hands, or contaminated objects are placed on surfaces, leading to tiny drops of vomit spreading through the air.
Preventing Norovirus
Regular handwashing is a crucial step in preventing Norovirus. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, before preparing food, and before engaging in any activities involving contact with others. Additionally, disinfecting and cleaning surfaces is important, considering the uncertainty of who may have touched them and whether they were previously infected with Norovirus.
AFC Urgent Care Southington Can Assist in Norovirus Recovery
AFC Urgent Care Southington is equipped to aid in Norovirus recovery. We are dedicated to helping you combat Norovirus and resume your daily life. Open 7 days a week, we welcome walk-ins and appointments, and settling your AFC Urgent Care bill is just a few clicks away with our user-friendly online payment method.
