Say ‘no’ to norovirus

It comes on suddenly, spreads like wildfire, and leaves you feeling weak and weary. Norovirus — commonly known as "stomach flu," although not related to influenza — is a very contagious viral illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain, symptoms collectively known as gastroenteritis.

While norovirus gastroenteritis is not the same thing as food poisoning, it can occur anywhere food is served. This includes restaurants and catered events, schools and childcare centers, cruise ships and long-term care facilities.

"Norovirus is the most common viral cause of the ‘stomach flu’ worldwide," says Dr. Amy Zheng, an urgent care doctor with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group. "Anyone can get the virus, but children under age 5 and older adults are particularly at risk of severe infection. Outbreaks often happen in places where people congregate, such as restaurants, schools, residential facilities and cruise ships.”

How do you get norovirus?

Norovirus is a very contagious virus — only a few microscopic germ particles can get you sick. It is transmitted by:

• Direct contact with an infected person

  — An infected person can send out billions of viral particles within a wide radius.

• Consuming tainted food or water

  — This can happen in the fields where food is grown, or if an infected person prepares food.

• Touching contaminated surfaces, then putting your hand in your mouth

  — This can include dishware, clothes, sheets and towels.

Symptoms typically begin within one to two days after exposure to an infected person or substance and usually last one to three days. However, you will remain contagious for several days after you start to feel better.

How do you treat norovirus?

As with other viral illnesses, antibiotics will not help you feel better faster if you have norovirus, as they only treat bacteria and will have no effect on viruses. The best way to treat norovirus is to rest at home and drink plenty of fluids.

“The good news is that most people recover with supportive care. To stay hydrated, I like a mix of water with Gatorade or juice in a 1-1 ratio. This will help to replenish not only water, but also electrolytes lost,” says Dr. Zheng.

People with norovirus are at risk for dehydration, especially young children, older adults and people with other illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Decreased urination

• Dry mouth and throat

• Feeling dizzy when standing up

• In children, dry eyes with no tears or unusual fussiness

“If you have excessive vomiting or diarrhea and are not able to keep up with rehydration, you should seek medical care. Other symptoms of serious illness include high fevers, dizziness, severe abdominal pain or bloody stools. Young children, elderly adults, patients with chronic medical illnesses and pregnant women should have a lower threshold for seeking care," says Dr. Zheng.

Can norovirus be prevented?

There is no vaccine to prevent norovirus, but you can help stop its spread with these safety tips:

• Wash your hands.

• Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.

• Cook seafood thoroughly.

• If you are sick, stay home and don't prepare food for other people.

• Clean and disinfect after someone is sick, using a bleach solution on any surface touched, including doorknobs, sinks, toilets, portable devices and furniture.

• Thoroughly wash affected clothes and linens in hot water.

“Be sure to practice good handwashing techniques using soap and water. Be sure to rub the soap all over your hands. Singing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice is a good way to time 20 seconds of hand washing.

As with other transmissible infections, she says, if you’re sick, stay home to prevent the spread.

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