What is norovirus? What are the symptoms & what are the precautions?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu or stomach bug. It is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness and outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness worldwide. Norovirus can affect people of all ages and is easily transmitted from person to person, through contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms of norovirus infection usually develop within 12 to 48 hours after exposure and may include:

1. Nausea and vomiting: These are often the first symptoms to appear and can be severe.
2. Diarrhea: Watery or loose stools may occur frequently.
3. Abdominal pain and cramps: These can range from mild to severe.
4. Nausea, headache, and low-grade fever: Some individuals may experience these additional symptoms.
5. Body aches: Occasionally, people with norovirus infection may experience muscle aches.

Precautions to prevent norovirus transmission include:

1. Hand hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before handling food, and before eating. Hand sanitizers are less effective against norovirus, so handwashing is preferable.
2. Food safety: Practice safe food handling by washing fruits and vegetables before consuming, cooking seafood thoroughly, avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, and maintaining proper food storage temperatures.
3. Personal hygiene: If you are infected with norovirus, avoid preparing food for others until at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces with a bleach-based cleaner.
4. Stay home when sick: If you have norovirus symptoms, stay home from work, school, or public gatherings until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided to avoid spreading the virus to others.
5. Containment and isolation: If there is an outbreak of norovirus in a community or healthcare setting, it is important to follow the instructions and recommendations of local health authorities to prevent further spread. This may involve isolating affected individuals and implementing strict hygiene and sanitation measures.

It’s worth noting that norovirus is highly contagious, and even a small amount of the virus can cause infection. Therefore, taking precautions to prevent transmission and practicing good hygiene is crucial. If you suspect you have norovirus or have been in contact with someone who has it, it is advisable to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.