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Doctors warn about a dangerous symptom amid norovirus outbreak in the US
Doctors in the United States are warning everyone to watch for dehydration as a key symptom of norovirus infection, which has seen a significant increase across the country this winter season. According to experts, norovirus, which has been described as āthe worst stomach bugā by those affected, can cause intense bouts of vomiting and diarrhea ā causing your body to deplete water and electrolytes. Read on to know more.
Norovirus causes severe dehydration, a major concern among doctors
Health officials in the United States are raising concerns about a significant increase in cases of norovirus ā a common and highly contagious infection that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea ā across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, norovirus infection is The number one cause of foodborne illness in America,
The virus has been spreading since the holiday season and has been accelerated by children returning to school and many people returning to the office, sending some people to emergency rooms.
Experts say even though the infection is a common virus every winter, its spread has increased massively this year, with multiple outbreaks even reported in evacuation shelters amid the Los Angeles wildfires Is.
Dehydration is a big concern for doctors
Described by those affected as āthe worst stomach bugā, norovirus causes acute symptoms, including severe dehydration, a major concern among doctors.
Health care experts are now educating people about knowing the symptoms and taking fast action before they become serious. Experts stress the importance of seeking medical help if you canāt drink fluids for 12-24 hours to avoid serious complications from dehydration.
Doctors say nausea and vomiting are part of a vicious cycle ā as you keep losing fluids, you deplete electrolytes in your bloodstream, which leads to more nausea and vomiting. Symptoms of norovirus usually appear quickly and can last for three days or more.
Preventing the spread of norovirus
According to doctors, if you have the virus, your body releases billions of tiny virus particles that can make others sick, too. It only takes a few particles to make someone else sick. Even after your symptoms stop, you remain infectious for up to 48 hours.
To stop the spread, follow these steps:
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- wash every food before eating, including fruits and vegetables
- Cook your food thoroughly, especially seafood or shellfish, to the proper temperature
- Avoid contact with people who have norovirus infection
- Keep frequently touched surfaces and objects clean and sanitized
- Wash your clothes thoroughly with hot water, especially if they are dirty
According to the CDC, hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus.
What can you expect if you have norovirus?
Symptoms of norovirus are usually sudden and severe and so doctors say you will likely have vomiting or diarrhea until the infection takes its toll. Due to frequent nausea, it is not possible to eat or drink anything. But if you donāt eat or drink anything youāll put yourself at risk of dehydration, so try to stick to a liquid diet to replenish hydration and electrolytes.
There are many types of norovirus, so if you get sick once, you are likely to get sick again because your body does not have immunity to every type of norovirus. The disease is temporary and usually has no long-term effects.
When norovirus enters your body, it becomes present in your stool before you experience symptoms. It may remain in your system for up to two weeks even after your symptoms go away.
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The number one cause of foodborne illness in America
wash your hands frequently
