Norovirus (Vomiting Bug): Symptom & Treatment

Norovirus or the vomiting virus is a commonly occuring infection these days. As per research studies, the cases of diarrhoea in India are around 11%. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus infects approximately 200 million children (less than 5 years of age) worldwide. 

Two new cases of norovirus infection have been identified in Kerala in the month of June, 2022. With the sudden emergence of norovirus infection cases, it is extremely important to spread awareness about this disease, its symptoms and available treatment. In this article, let us look at everything you need to know about norovirus, and severe cases where doctor consultation is a must and spread awareness about measures by which you can stop the transmission of this virus.

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What is a Stomach Bug or Norovirus?

According to the National Health Society (NHS), norovirus is an infection of the stomach that leads to vomiting and diarrhoea. The virus is commonly known as the “Winter vomiting bug” or simply “Stomach bug'' and the symptoms produced by the virus usually go away in around 2 days. It is a contagious virus that can pass on from one person to another through direct or indirect contact. No matter how the infection spreads, the effect of the virus is usually the same. 

What are the Symptoms of Norovirus Infection?

The symptoms of vomiting bug norovirus infection generally remain the same in everyone irrespective of the underlying cause leading to infection. The stomach bug symptoms usually appear within 12 to 48 hours of getting exposed to the infection. These symptoms generally last for around 3 days after which the infected people recover completely. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. The major signs and symptoms of norovirus infection include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea (watery stools)
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Low-grade fever
• Body ache
• Headache
• Presence of blood in stools
• Dehydration
  • Reduced frequency of urination (infants do not wet their diapers for 6-8 hours or children do not pass urine in 12 hours)
  • Excreting dark-colored urine
  • Dry throat and mouth
  • Sunken eyes
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Sleepiness
  • Increased heart rate
  • Lethargy
  • Confusion 
  • Crying without producing tears is also a common sign of dehydration in children

Symptoms in babies and toddlers

The symptoms of norovirus infection can vary in small babies and toddlers. Kids are more prone to acquire serious health complications. The most common symptoms of norovirus infection in infants and children include:

• Sleepiness
• Fussiness
• Irritability
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting

What are the warning signs of norovirus infection?

Norovirus infection can lead to mild to severe symptoms. You must consult your doctor if you experience some severe symptoms. The major symptoms when you must visit a doctor include:

• If you are unable to tolerate liquids
• Fever
• Presence of blood in stools
• Severe diarrhoea that lasts for more than 3 days
• Serious pre existing health issues

Serious signs and symptoms in babies

Babies are usually more affected by norovirus infection. You must immediately consult a doctor if your child shows any of the following symptoms:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea in infants below 6 months of age
• Vomiting three or more times within 24 hours
• Watery stools six or more times in 24 hours
• If your child is not producing tears
• Mottled or pale skin
• Fever
• Sunken eyes
• Presence of blood in stools
• Lethargic or being less responsive
• Dizziness
• Excretion of little or no urine in 6 or more hours
• Coexisting medical issues
• Symptoms that last for more than two days

Serious signs and symptoms during pregnancy

Norovirus infection during pregnancy can affect your and your baby's health as well. Therefore, if you get infected with norovirus during pregnancy, make sure to deal with it seriously. The symptoms wherein you should immediately consult a doctor include:

• Decreased frequency of urination
• Excretion of dark-colored urine
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Dry throat and mouth
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Increased heartbeat

How can the Norovirus infection be treated?

How to treat stomach bugs or ways to get rid of stomach bug, is one of the most asked questions these days. Currently, there is no proper stomach bug treatment available. Because it is a viral infection and not a bacterial infection, therefore, antibiotics doses won’t help. Generally, the treatment given for norovirus is supportive only. These treatment actions are generally suggested with a view to preventing dehydration in order to avoid severe complications. The different suggestive supportive norovirus treatment options include:

• If you are infected with norovirus, take a rest at your home and do not push yourself to work.
• Drink a lot of water the whole day to replenish the lost water.
• Take oral hydration solutions to replace the lost electrolytes
• Do not consume sugary drinks as they can worsen your condition
• Avoid consuming drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine
• If your infant is affected by the virus, breastfeeding or formula feeding is recommended 
• Take a healthy diet that may include plain noodles, soups, rice, eggs, pasta, bread, potatoes, yoghurt, fresh fruit, cooked vegetables, and lean proteins available in fish and chicken.

How can Norovirus infection spread be prevented?

Norovirus is a highly resistant microorganism that can sustain freezing temperatures as well as temperatures as high as 140-160 degrees. The virus is also able to survive in water containing 10ppm of chlorine which makes the prevention of the infection impossible. The prevention of transmission of any contagious virus can be prevented by following good hygienic habits. Following personal and food hygiene measures can reduce the spread of norovirus through food significantly. Some of the hygiene steps that you must include in your daily routine are:

• Use soap and warm water to wash your hands at regular intervals throughout the day, especially when you have used the washroom, or before preparing and eating your meals.
• A bleach-based household cleaner must be used to clean the surfaces. Also, if possible leave the bleach on the surface for around 10 minutes.
• If you are infected, your vomit can be infectious to people around you. Therefore, clean the area where you have vomited and the surrounding area thoroughly.
• Avoid eating shellfish as it comes from contaminated water.
• Do not eat food prepared by a norovirus-infected person.
• Wash and scrub all fruits and vegetables before eating them.
• Wash the clothes and bedding with hot, soapy water.
• Keep your toilet seat down so that the infectious microbes cannot enter the air.
• Avoid going to crowded places and making a lot of public contacts
• Use disposable paper towels after washing your hands if you are taking care of an individual infected with the virus.
• If you are in an area with a less developed sanitization system, always use bottled water only, even for brushing your teeth. Also, avoid uncooked food and buffets in such places.
• Hospitals should keep patients infected with norovirus in isolation.
• Follow adequate food handling practices.

Takeaway

Norovirus infection is very common and its transmission rate is very high. Therefore, it is very important to diagnose it at an early stage, not only for the treatment of infection but also for the prevention of its transmission. Now, when you know the major signs and symptoms of norovirus, you will be able to suspect your symptoms and get it diagnosed at an early stage. This will help you in taking care of not only yourself but of the people surrounding you as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the best treatment for norovirus?

There is no appropriate treatment available for norovirus. However, an adequate diet and increased liquid uptake act as a supportive treatment for norovirus infection.

• How long does norovirus take to get over?

It usually takes around 2-3 days for the symptoms of norovirus to soothe down.

• Is norovirus the same as coronavirus?

No, norovirus and coronavirus are the organisms of two different classes of viruses. Norovirus affects your gastrointestinal system, whereas coronavirus majorly affects your upper respiratory system.