It usually starts quite suddenly:
- Nausea
- Sensation of sickness
- Muscle pain
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Diarrhoea
- Increase in temperature
Not all symptoms need to occur at the same time
The germ is highly contagious and is transmitted either through contaminated food, water or surfaces. Infection is also possible through close contact with a sick person. Norovirus is excreted in vomit and faeces and can survive for weeks on surfaces and objects. It is difficult to fight and resists high and cold temperatures as well as many disinfectants. There are different strains and you can be infected several times. No existing immunity remains.
The first symptoms usually appear between 12-48 hours after contact with the germ and usually last 1-3 days.
Most patients heal completely, unless they are either older and/or have previous illnesses.
The disease can also pose a risk to children. The diarrhoea and vomiting can lead to dehydration and mineral loss which requires medical treatment in this case.</p
Signs of dehydration:
- Dizziness
- Dry throat or mouth
- Less urine
- Fatigue and exhaustion
Norovirus is usually caught in a crowded and highly populated environment, such as on cruise ships, in kindergartens, schools, hotels, etc.
<li
Even if the patient is healthy, they will continue to excrete the germ in their stool for several weeks! This can be even longer if the sick person has other pre-existing conditions. Sometimes a person is asymptomatic and still infectious.</p
What you should do for your own protection:
- Avoid contaminated food or water (cook it, boil it, peel it or forget it)
- Do not use ice cubes or already opened water bottles
- Always wash your hands well with water AND soap (for at least 20 seconds), especially after using the toilet and before preparing food
- Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating
- Avoid people who are ill
Did you like this article?
Your page rank: