Norovirus: How it spreads, risk factors and prevention tips

By Deb Balzer ∙ Mayo Clinic News Network

16 minutes ago

Norovirus is usually most widespread in the fall and winter, but you can get the virus at any time of the year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea in acute gastroenteritis in the United States.

Norovirus infection, sometimes called the stomach flu, is not related to the flu caused by influenza viruses. It’s a virus that causes gastroenteritis, said Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Mayo Clinic Children’s Center.

“Norovirus is a virus that causes gastroenteritis, or stomach flu. Symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea are usually present. Most healthy people recover within a few days. But for people with weakened immune systems, symptoms It could last longer,” he said.

Dehydration is worrisome, especially in young children, the elderly, those with other health conditions, or pregnant women. These symptoms may include decreased urination, dry throat and mouth, and feeling dizzy when standing.

spread

“Norovirus is spread through contact with the virus. People infected with norovirus excrete the virus in large amounts in their vomit and feces, so exposure to the virus is the route to illness. This can occur through direct contact or through contaminated food, as well It can be caught from surfaces. That’s why handwashing is important and the best way to prevent norovirus,” said Rajapaksa.

risk factors

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of food illness outbreaks caused by norovirus are linked to restaurants or food-related establishments. This occurs when infected workers and staff come into contact with food or when food becomes contaminated.

Foods contaminated with norovirus often look, smell and taste normal, making it difficult to tell whether they are contaminated, Rajapaksa said.

Norovirus can spread quickly, especially in confined spaces such as nurseries, nursing homes, schools and cruise ships. These viruses are difficult to destroy because they can withstand high and low temperatures as well as most disinfectants.

“One of the places where norovirus outbreaks often occur is in enclosed spaces, such as cruise ships, where a lot of people are eating in the same place and staying together,” Rajapaksa explained. “Even if there is one case of norovirus on a cruise ship cases, can also spread quickly to others there. “That’s why it’s important to make sure you wash your hands, especially before eating. “

Prevent norovirus infection

Antibiotics won’t help because this is a viral infection, not a bacterial one. The best protection is prevention.

Tips to avoid norovirus infection:

■ Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

■ Avoid food and water that may be contaminated.

■ Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.

■ Cook seafood.

■ If you are sick, stay home and avoid others.

■ If you have vomiting/diarrhea, avoid preparing food for others.

■ Disinfect potentially contaminated surfaces and counters.

And take precautions when traveling. The CDC tracks outbreaks of norovirus and other diseases. You can visit cdc.gov for more information.

According to the CDC, norovirus outbreaks tend to be more common in the winter. In countries above the equator, epidemics are most common from November to April, while in countries below the equator, epidemics are most common from May to September.