Norovirus

Norovirus also know as “small round structured viruses”. These are integral part of viruses resulting gastroenteritis or upset stomach. Although it occurs any time, most of them get it in winters, hence they are also called as “winter vomiting disease”.
How do noroviruses spread,
Novovirus is a very common illness, about one million to 600000 people are affected by it in a year in UK. This is a contagious illness and can spread rapidly mostly in closed environments like schools, hospitals and nursing homes. The virus of this illness survives in contaminated areas for many days. It can spread by touching a object and surface contaminated with the virus, also through infected person, water and food. The immunity to the virus only lasts for 14 weeks hence this infection occurs repeatedly, this can also provide protection from any future infection.

Symptoms

The initial symptoms are sudden occurrence of nausea, followed by watery diarrhoea and vomiting. Norovirus symptoms normally start 24-48 hours after the onset of infection. It can also at times start as on as 12 hours. Some other symptoms often experienced are : aching limbs, stomach cramps, headaches and mild fever. Norovirus seizures cases seldom occur. For about 12-60 hours the symptoms usually last. People with norovirus seizures fully recover with couple of days, But diarrhoea may take some time to go.

Treatment

If any one is suffering from Norovirus, you should maintain a light diet and not starve, as startving will not fasten the process to recovery. Foods like bread, pasta, rice an soups should be eaten as they are easy to digest. Normal diet shoul be maintained in babies. You need to get back the lost fluids gone through vomiting and diarrhoea and also prevent dehydration, hence drinking lots of water is highly recommended. This is very much necessary for people who are prone to dehydration. Anti diarrhoea medication can be consumed if you have norovirus. These are not recommended if you have fever and also this is unsuitable for children.
We need to let the condition Norovirus run its course as there is no specific treatment for it.

Prevention

Norovirus can be prevented to a certain extent by maintaining good hygiene and limiting the infection from spreading. Few steps mentioned below helps to stop spreading norovirus:
Washing any linens or clothing, contaminated with norovirus. To ensure virus is killed use soapy water and hot water to make sure the virus is killed.
Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce , eat oysters from known source, as there are common carriers of norovirus
Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated with a norovirus. It is best to use a bleach-based household cleaner. Always follow the instructions on the cleaning product.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, particularly after using the toilet, and before preparing food.
Preparing food and any contact with outsiders should be avoided for at least 48 hours, once your symptoms are completely gone. Even if you have no diarrhoea or any sickness you could be contagious.
In case you had norovirus symptoms in the last 2 days, you are advised not to visit any hospitals or nursing homes, as this infection is very easily spread to any one who is already ill.