Norovirus

Symptoms of norovirus

The following symptoms can occur, among others, with an infection with norovirus:

• Diarrhea
• Vomit
• nausea
• fatigue
• headache and muscle pain
• stomach pain
• Mild fever (less common)

Diarrhea and vomiting can create a fluid deficit in the body, which must be replaced by drinking plenty of fluids.

Causes and transmission of norovirus

Noroviruses are usually transmitted through smear infections. The viruses are found in stool residue or vomit and the smallest traces can be transferred to the hands of the sick person. The viruses get from the hand to other objects, such as door handles, and thus infect other people.

People can become infected with noroviruses through contaminated water or contaminated food such as salad, fruit or mussels.

Obligation to report norovirus

If there is evidence of noroviruses or if there is a suspicion of an infection with noroviruses in people who handle food, there is an obligation to report by name to the responsible health authority.

Diagnosis of norovirus

If an infection with norovirus is suspected, the doctor can ask you the following questions:

• Do you have diarrhea or nausea?
• Have you been vomiting a lot lately?
• Do you have other symptoms such as fever, tiredness or pain?
• Have you eaten potentially contaminated food in the past two days?
• Are there other people in your circle of acquaintances who have similar symptoms?
• Do you work in a community catering facility such as B. Restaurant or kitchen?

In addition, in certain cases, stool samples can be analyzed in a laboratory to detect virus particles and to confirm infection with noroviruses.

When to seek help with norovirus

You should contact a doctor if

• you have eaten contaminated food.
• you have drunk contaminated water.
• you have symptoms such as fever, diarrhea or vomiting.
• there is someone in your circle of acquaintances who is infected with norovirus.

You can do that yourself with Norovirus

The following measures will help you to limit the spread of infection and alleviate your symptoms:

• You should rest physically and avoid contact with other people to prevent the infection from being passed on.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Make sure you have enough salt.
• If possible, use your own toilet for up to 2 days after recovery (those affected excrete enormous amounts of viruses after the symptoms have subsided and can continue to infect other people although they are symptom-free).
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after each visit to the toilet.
• Change clothes and bed linen daily and wash at a minimum of 60°C.
• People who work in community catering facilities (kitchens, restaurants, etc.) may return to work 2 days after the symptoms have subsided.
• Regularly clean surfaces in the vicinity of the sick, such as door handles, sinks, toilet seats, ideally with disposable washcloths.

Treatment options for norovirus

There is no drug therapy for norovirus. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and should therefore not be administered in the case of an infection with noroviruses. Those affected should rest physically and work from home if possible. In some cases, pain relievers or antiemetics are used to relieve symptoms.

Here’s how Med-Healths can help with norovirus

What are the complications associated with norovirus? Can noroviruses also infect other organs? Are there other pathogens that cause symptoms similar to those caused by noroviruses? Are there any special preventive measures that can protect you from norovirus? You can clarify these questions and others with our doctors via video consultation. Our doctors can advise you on treatment, prevention and how to proceed.