Norovirus is a type of round, small and resistant virus with a high infectious capacity, and is able to remain on surfaces where the infected person is in contact, facilitating transmission to other people. This virus can be found in contaminated food and water, being one of them. of the main causes of viral gastroenteritis in adults, unlike rotavirus, which can most often infect children.
Symptoms of norovirus infection include severe diarrhoea, followed by vomiting and many deaths, and usually treated with rest and high fluid intake, this virus has a great mutation capacity, that is, its structure constantly changes, leading to the existence of several types of viruses, difficult to control.
- If norovirus is infected.
- Severe symptoms can lead to complications.
- Such as dehydration.
- These symptoms include:.
Symptoms usually appear 24 to 48 hours after infection and for about 1 to 3 days. It is possible to transmit the virus and infect others up to 2 days after symptoms have disappeared. Learn how to identify gastroenteritis.
The main route of transmission of norovirus is fecal-oral, the person becomes infected by consuming food and water contaminated with the virus, can also be transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces or by direct contact with the infected person. In addition, but rarely, transmission of norovirus to another person can occur by releasing viral particles in aerosol form during vomiting.
Outbreaks of this disease may occur in enclosed environments, such as boats, schools, and hospitals, as there is no other way to spread the virus than the human organism, so it is important to wash well and avoid staying in the same environment where the infected person is located.
Watch the video on how to wash your hands well
There is no treatment for gastroenteritis caused by norovirus, so we recommend resting, drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and eating easy-to-digest foods to prevent diarrhea from getting worse. Read what to eat with diarrhea
Your doctor may prescribe medications to relieve discomfort, such as acetaminophen. It is important to avoid taking antidiarrheals without medical advice, as it is a way for your body to remove the virus.
The best way to avoid getting infected with this virus is to wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before handling food, washing fruits and vegetables, disinfecting objects and surfaces that may be infected, avoid sharing wet wipes, avoid eating raw and unwashed foods.
Also, if it comes into contact with an infected person, you should wash them well and prevent them from getting out of your mouth, nose and eyes when the virus enters your body.