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Norovirus! You’ve probably heard about it and you may have even experienced it. This is something we see come up each year, but what actually is norovirus and how can it be treated? In the blog we will be covering everything you need to know- from symptoms to treatments and simple preventative methods.
So, first things first, what is norovirus? Norovirus is a very contagious virus that can make you feel pretty miserable, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. It spreads easily through food, water, or by touching surfaces that have the virus on them. While it’s definitely unpleasant, the good news is that most people start feeling better after a few days of rest and staying hydrated.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of norovirus usually show up quickly, within 12 to 48 hours after being exposed. These symptoms typically last for about 1 to 3 days. Common symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Nausea
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Body aches
How can it be spread?
Norovirus spreads very easily, and it can be caught in a few different ways:
Direct Contact with Infected People: If someone who is infected vomits or has diarrhoea, the virus can spread to others through close contact, such as shaking hands or caring for someone who's sick.
Contaminated Food or Water: Norovirus can be spread through food or drinks that have been contaminated, often from handling by an infected person or eating food from an area with poor hygiene. It can also spread from water sources, like swimming pools, if they’re contaminated.
Touching Contaminated Surfaces: The virus can survive on surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, and bathroom fixtures. If you touch something contaminated and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you can get infected.
Airborne Particles: In some cases, if someone vomits, tiny droplets containing the virus can become airborne and land on surfaces, where they can still infect others.
Because it’s so easy to spread, norovirus outbreaks are common in places where people are close together, like schools, cruise ships, and nursing homes. That’s why handwashing and cleaning surfaces are really important in preventing it.
Treatment:
If you catch norovirus, the best treatment is to focus on staying hydrated and resting. Since the virus causes vomiting and diarrhoea, you can quickly become dehydrated, so it's important to drink water. Avoid sugary drinks or caffeine, which can make dehydration worse.
There's no specific medication to treat norovirus, so it’s all about letting the virus run its course while taking care of your body. Most people recover within a few days, but if you’re feeling really weak or can’t keep fluids down, it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor. Just remember- rest, hydrate, and give your body time to heal!
How to prevent it:
Preventing norovirus mainly comes down to good hygiene and being careful in places where it spreads easily. Here are some simple steps you can take to avoid catching it:
Wash Your Hands: Frequent handwashing with soap and water is one of the best ways to stop the virus from spreading. Be sure to wash for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after touching surfaces in public places.
Disinfect Surfaces: Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces, like doorknobs, countertops, and bathroom fixtures, especially if someone in your home is sick.
Avoid Contaminated Food and Water: Be cautious when eating food from buffets or public places. If you're on a cruise or in a shared space, be extra careful with food hygiene. Only drink clean, treated water.
Stay Home if You’re Sick: If you're experiencing symptoms of norovirus, it’s best to stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others. Wait at least 48 hours after symptoms have passed before returning to work or school.
Practice Good Food Hygiene: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and avoid eating raw shellfish, as they can sometimes carry the virus.
If you are currently facing norovirus or even just wanted to know more about it, we hope this blog has put your mind at ease and educated you on the virus a little more.
Coda Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way, through helping you understand norovirus, to offering expert advice and delivering your NHS prescriptions free of charge. If you have any questions about what you have read in this article or any of the services that Coda Pharmacy can provide you with, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us here.