What’s norovirus?
Norovirus, often known as the Norwalk virus, is a extremely contagious virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdomen ache. In some instances, it could possibly additionally trigger fever, headache, and physique aches, however it’s not the identical virus that causes the flu. Though most individuals get better from the sickness inside three days, they will proceed spreading the virus for 2 weeks or extra, per the CDC.
How does norovirus unfold?
Anybody can get sick with norovirus, however those that eat uncooked seafood, which can include the virus, are at the next danger of contracting it. Youngsters, older adults, and folk with a compromised immune system are additionally vulnerable to contracting severe sickness, based on the CDC.
As a result of norovirus may be very contagious, you’ll be able to contract it by having direct contact with somebody with the virus, consuming meals and drinks dealt with by them, and sharing meals utensils with them. As well as, you will get sick by touching contaminated surfaces and issues so it is crucial to clean your fingers ceaselessly.
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How are you going to defend your self from norovirus?
If you happen to’ve heard it as soon as, you have heard it 1,000,000 instances: Washing your fingers ceaselessly is certainly one of your finest defenses in opposition to contracting norovirus. (FYI, norovirus is immune to hand sanitizers.) Whether or not you are prepping meals or altering soiled diapers, washing your fingers with antibacterial cleaning soap and heat water for no less than 20 seconds may help take away dangerous pathogens. Avoiding uncooked seafood and completely washing fruit and veggies may also cut back your danger.
If you happen to or somebody in your family turns into sick with norovirus, the CDC advises staying dwelling and avoiding contact with anybody else for no less than 48 hours after signs subside. Contaminated areas (aka, bogs) of your private home might be disinfected with a bleach resolution (3/4 cup in a gallon of water), Roger Seheult, MD, a board-certified pulmonologist assistant scientific professor on the University of California Riverside School of Medicine and the Faculty of Drugs and Allied Well being at Loma Linda University in California, beforehand instructed Well+Good.
Sadly, there aren’t particular medicines you’ll be able to take to deal with norovirus; you must let the virus run its course. Nonetheless, consuming loads of fluids, significantly beverages with electrolytes, may help you keep hydrated and replenish misplaced minerals.
