Norovirus is an important cause of gastrointestinal infection and inflammation, leading to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It is very common during the winter season. It can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in young children, older children, people with weakened immune systems, and the elderly. It is easily transmitted, especially during the winter season, even with a small amount of the virus and is resistant to heat and disinfectants.
Transmission
- Consuming of contaminated food, drinking water and ice.
- Direct contact with an infected person or consumption of food and water prepared by an infected person. Patients can spread norovirus even if they have no symptoms.
- Touching or contacting contaminated surfaces or objects and then putting fingers in your mouth without washing them.
Symptoms
Treatment
Since there is currently no specific antiviral medication for norovirus, treatment is symptomatic focusing on relieving symptoms. It is important to prevent dehydration by drinking oral rehydration solution (ORS) in order to replace lost water and electrolytes, eating soft diets such as soft-boiled rice, congee, bananas, and getting enough rest. If you experience severe symptoms such as severe vomiting or diarrhea, high fever, lethargy, or signs of dehydration, please seek medical attention immediately.
Prevention
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus, so good hygiene, eating clean food, and avoiding contact with sick people are important to prevent the transmission of this virus and the disease caused by it.
