Norovirus: Symptoms and prevention of ‘stomach flu’
When norovirus cases spike, these are symptoms you should watch out for, and measures you can take for prevention.
As if cold and flu season weren’t bad enough, this winter is turning out to be a particularly bad one for stomach bugs.
By Dec. 11, 495 outbreaks of norovirus had been reported nationwide, compared with 393 outbreaks the same time last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health experts expect more cases when the season reaches its peak in mid-January.
Norovirus, typically from contaminated food or water, is a leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea. The only thing bearable about it is that it is typically short-lived, passing through the system in one to three days.
If you’re unlucky enough to encounter the virus, here’s how to get through the next few days:
Symptoms of the stomach bug
These are symptoms of norovirus infection, according to the Minnesota Department of Health and the Cleveland Clinic:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramping
- Urinating less or dark-colored urine
- Dry mouth
- Feeling weak
- Dizziness
Less common symptoms are:
- Low-grade fever or chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
A person who is sick and has been infected with the virus will typically experience the symptoms suddenly. Children with the virus may be fussy, sleepy throughout the day and cry without tears.
People begin to show symptoms one to two days after they’ve been exposed to the virus, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. But symptoms can appear 12 hours after exposure.
Though a person infected with the virus may experience unpleasant symptoms, others may be asymptomatic and show no symptoms at all. But they can still be contagious and pass the virus to others.
Children younger than 5, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections, according to the CDC.
How to treat norovirus
There are no antivirals to treat norovirus, and the CDC warns against taking antibiotics because the medication won’t work and can lead to dangerous antibiotic resistance.
The best way to get through the stomach flu is to rest, stay hydrated and listen to your body, said Dr. Paul Sax, clinical director of the infectious disease division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. That might mean not eating solid foods for most of the day.
“Don’t force yourself to eat if you’re not ready to eat,” said Sax, who is also a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. “If you’re feeling a little better, then it’s time to introduce foods.”
What should you eat while sick with norovirus?
If you’re not ready for solids, Sax recommends drinking diluted sodas or juices to compensate for the lack of calories throughout the day.
It’s easy to get dehydrated with a stomach bug, so the CDC recommends drinking plenty of liquids.
When it’s time to reintroduce solid foods, many doctors will recommend the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. But Sax said a patient at the end of a norovirus infection can eat whatever they want if they feel their body is ready.
He recommends avoiding alcohol because it tends to slow recovery. Some people also avoid dairy products because norovirus can lead to a temporary lactose intolerance. The infection damages the gut lining, which leads to a lack of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose.
Even if patients feel better, Sax says, the virus can still be in their system.
How to avoid getting norovirus
Sax recommends continuing to practice good hygiene if you’re sick to not spread it to other people.
Hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus, so it’s important to wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, the CDC says.
Unfortunately, people can still pass on norovirus for two weeks or more after being infected.
Norovirus spreads very easily between people, for instance by sharing food, eating or drinking liquids handled by someone with the virus, or touching contaminated surfaces and then putting unwashed fingers in your mouth, according to the CDC.
The most common cause of norovirus is contaminated food and water, Sax said.
“There are certain foods that are more likely to have norovirus, and one of the more common villains in infectious disease are raw oysters,” Sax said.
Contributing: Julia Gomez
Adrianna Rodriguez can be reached at [email protected].
