Norovirus is a blanket term for a group of diseases more commonly called the “winter vomiting bug.” The symptoms and the time they occur determine the name. Norovirus is often called the stomach bug and can even carry common symptoms with the flu. This infection is highly contagious. You might be wondering, how long is norovirus contagious? Keep reading for everything you need to know about the virus and how it could affect your health.
How Long Is Norovirus Contagious?
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is one of the most common infections in the United States. You are more likely to contract a norovirus than you might be to get the flu. This contagious virus often spreads by touching something contaminated with norovirus or contacting the disease carrier.
When someone says they’ve caught a stomach bug, and it’s not traditional food poisoning, it could be a sign of a norovirus. Noroviruses cause gastroenteritis or a group of related stomach conditions. People with norovirus often experience:
- Dehydration
- Lack of appetite
- Stomach cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Washing your hands often with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to counter the spread of norovirus. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used in addition to handwashing. However, sanitizers are not a good substitute for soap and water.
How Contagious Is Norovirus?
Yes, the conditions are contagious. Norovirus spreads easily from one person to the next. It can stay alive on contaminated surfaces and objects touched by different people.
Use bleach to clean high-touch surfaces. Bleach reduces bacteria and conditions in which E.Coli and Norovirus thrive. If not appropriately disinfected, norovirus can survive for long periods on surfaces.
A strict sanitary routine is recommended in healthcare facilities and restaurants to:
- Prevent diseases from breeding
- Prevent spreading
- To combat norovirus
You should not prepare food for others while you are sick. You put others at risk of eating contaminated food. Wearing disposable gloves and regularly sanitizing cooking surfaces helps protect against norovirus.
What Are The Symptoms Of Norovirus?
Norovirus causes gastroenteritis and carries the symptoms of stomach flu or food poisoning. An individual might experience symptoms 12 to 48 hours after exposure. It’s essential to seek medical care to establish your condition. Guesswork or online diagnosis is discouraged.
Symptoms might have a gradual onset or start shortly after the disease exposure. Untreated, the condition could be fatal. Some of its associated symptoms can be:
- Malaise (feeling ill)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach discomfort
The condition can spread as long as a person experiences active symptoms and can remain contagious thereafter. Good hygiene is encouraged to reduce the risk of spreading the condition from one person to another.
Encourage young children to wash their hands to keep them safe. The CDC states that hand washing can protect one in three children from diarrhea-related illnesses. It’s the cheapest, easiest, and most effective way to keep kids and adults safe.
How Long Is Norovirus Contagious?
Norovirus symptoms show up 24 to 48 hours after exposure to the infection. It can be contagious for two to four weeks.
Patients are at their most contagious stage during active symptoms, so stay home if you’re sick! Experts consider maintaining good hygiene practices the best practice.
If you experience norovirus symptoms, count backward from symptom onset to get a clearer idea of where the condition came from.
How Serious Is Norovirus?
Norovirus can be serious. In some cases, without treatment, it could lead to death. Doctors treat norovirus symptomatically with hydration and nutrition. However, they must also treat it with the correct course of antibiotics.
According to the CDC, norovirus can affect anyone. It is highly contagious and poses a greater risk to some people, including:
- Those with compromised or lowered immune systems
- Vulnerable people, including those with chronic health conditions
- Children
- Elderly
It requires immediate professional diagnosis, especially because of its similarity to other conditions.
The Importance of Staying Hydrated During Illness
Hydrating during illness can help you feel better. Water is a supportive measure that helps move nutrients through the body and supports its functions. Add hydrating fruits and vegetables to your diet to replenish lost fluids. Symptoms of dehydration can include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion
- Fainting
In Summary
Norovirus infection is very contagious. You can do your part to prevent the virus from spreading by washing hands and sanitizing. After exposure, once the symptoms have run their course, you can continue to shed the virus.
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