Is It Norovirus, a ‘Stomach Bug’ or Something Else?
Norovirus outbreaks have been around the United States and are attracting attention during winters where other diseases seem particularly toxic. “Between August 1, 2024 and January 15, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracked 1,078 norovirus outbreaks between states involved in the CDC through its participation in states Norostat monitoring system – 557 outbreaks reported in the same period last season. This growth is also higher than previous seasonal (2012-2020 and 2021-2024) outbreak levels. ” Dr. Patricia Pinto-GarciaMD, MPH and Medical Editors, located in GoodRX.
estimate Norovirus disease 19-21 million a year In the United States, norovirus is both a common disease and is often confused with other diseases. We talked to doctors who saw norovirus in the wider landscape of infectious diseases, giving us details about the difference between norovirus and how we treat, cure and prevent it from continuing to spread.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a rapidly-onset viral infection that shows gastrointestinal symptoms. Norovirus spreads through contact with viruses, food, or touching people with viruses. Infecting new people does not require too many viruses, making them highly contagious. Also, even if you have norovirus in recent weeks or months ago, you may not necessarily be immune because it may come from a different strain of the virus.
Pinto-Garcia said norovirus symptoms last longer in young children, older people, and anyone with weak immune systems. Although it is most common in the fall and winter, it also happens year-round.
Norovirus symptoms and how long does it last
Norovirus is not always diagnosed through testing 13% of cases prompt a doctor or hospital visit. Symptoms are unique, and treatments are usually similar, regardless of whether gastrointestinal symptoms are caused in particular by norovirus.
“Classic symptoms are nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain/cucking and diarrhea. Vomiting is more common than many other viruses,” Dr. Kari NeemannMD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist in Omaha Children Nebraska Children. “Other possible symptoms include fever, body aches and headaches. Once infected, you usually experience symptoms (rapid attacks) within 12-48 hours. The duration of symptoms is usually 1-3 days.”
While norovirus symptoms tend to be relieved within three days, the effects of dehydration and other secondary symptoms such as lack of appetite may take longer to resolve. Those who have experienced norovirus will remain contagious for weeks after the symptoms disappear, so it is especially important to continue a strict hand washing regimen and disinfect surfaces within the weeks after infection.
Norovirus and gastric flu
Gastric flu or “stomach disease” usually does not mention the influenza virus; even if the flu suffers from gastrointestinal symptoms, it is mainly a respiratory disease and can also cause fever, soreness, and fatigue. Gastric flu and “stomach disease” are a form of conversation that can refer to any disease that produces gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting.
People may call the symptoms gastric flu. Nevertheless, it is wise to treat anyone with severe gastrointestinal symptoms as if they might have norovirus, prompting those around them to disinfect the surface and wash their hands regularly. Treatment of severe gastrointestinal symptoms is often focused on rest and hydration even when not identified as a specific “stomach disease” of Norovirus.
How to tell the difference between norovirus and rotavirus
Rotavirus is a more common disease in infants and young children, and it exhibits some similar symptoms to norovirus, but knowing its course can help you avoid worrying about whether the symptoms of norovirus in children are different. .
“(rotavirus) infection usually begins with an acute vomiting attack, followed by watery diarrhea after 24-48 hours, which may be related to fever,” Neemann said. “Here, the symptoms are a little slower than norovirus. The onset of symptoms Usually from 1-3 days of exposure, the symptoms last longer than norovirus in 3-7 days.”
When the baby is only a few months old to prevent serious illness, the rotavirus vaccine can be used and arranged. And the standard Rotavirus progress The most important sign of both diseases is the sign of severe dehydration.
“Dehydrated children usually reduce urine output (less than wet diapers or spaces within six hours), may cry or have no tears at all, dry mouth, sunken eyes, cool or open hands and feet, and may become Be more lethargic or picky,” Neman said. “These are signs of seeking immediate medical care.”
Your doctor may also doubt whether rotavirus or norovirus should be blamed, but they may also focus on treating dehydration.
How to tell the difference between norovirus and food poisoning
Food poisoning is any umbrella that causes severe viral or bacterial infections Gastrointestinal symptoms and obtained through insufficient safety measures when preparing food. Norovirus can be transmitted in this way, which is estimated to cause 58% of foodborne diseases In the United States, other infectious drugs can also be spread in food.
Food poisoning should be the same way you treat norovirus at home as they work hard to stay hydrated and rest until symptoms are relieved.
How to distinguish the differences between norovirus, Internet and influenza A/B?
Although Covid can be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, it is primarily a respiratory infection, usually different from norovirus. Similarly, flu and B can have multiple symptoms, but usually include some respiratory symptoms.
If you have severe and serious gastrointestinal symptoms of respiratory symptoms or sore throat, you can use Test at home See if there is flu or co-proof. Because it is possible Co-infection With multiple diseases, it is wise to pay attention to dehydration and treat yourself with a rest, hydration and a bland, easy-to-digestible diet.
How is norovirus diagnosed and treated?
Typically, norovirus treatment is managed at home. The most important treatment is to rest when possible and to rehydrate with water or oral fluid (such as Pedialyte), which should be consumed in a small amount until vomiting stops.
“drink Electrolyte-rich liquid“Like sports drinks or supplements, it can help replace lost fluids. There are no antiviral drugs targeting norovirus, but if the nausea is severe, your doctor may recommend Zofran (Ondansetron) to help,” said Pinto-Garcia. When it comes to diarrheal, contact your provider before taking anti-Diarrheal medications – sometimes it’s best to let your body clear the virus naturally. They may also recommend probiotics or probiotics are rich in foods such as yogurt, kefir Or pickles to help your gut recover faster.”
The main risk factors in these diseases become too dehydrated, but if norovirus weakens your immune system, persistent symptoms can indicate a different problem.
“In some cases, another disease (such as a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics) can be blamed. If you notice signs of severe dehydration, including fast heartbeat, rapid breathing, dizziness, extreme fatigue, confusion, you should also seek it if you notice signs of severe dehydration, including fast heartbeat, rapid breathing, dizziness, extreme fatigue, confusion. Medical care. Or think clearly about the trouble,” Pinto-Garcia said. “If something feels uncomfortable or the symptoms are not improving, it’s better to have a check-up with a health care professional.”
How to prevent norovirus
The trend and information about the norovirus outbreak are good. In many people who come into contact with each other, such as schools, day care centers, long-term care facilities and hospitals Hand sanitizer is less effective against norovirus. Use frequently Bleach Solutions It’s also helpful; just keep this in mind Bleached products It should not be used in combination with other cleaning products as they can react and produce harmful compounds.
Information is another key part of the puzzle. If someone is in physical condition with others before experiencing sudden and severe symptoms that may be norovirus, they should let people know. This way, everyone can double down on their hands and disinfect them. Schools can implement additional cleaning and avoid contact with children with symptoms to make any outbreaks as contained as possible.
Bottom line
As Pinto-Garcia points out, a tenacious strain of norovirus appears to be moving in the United States this winter: ” Calicinet data According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 70% of norovirus cases in fall 2024 are caused by strains called GII.17. This strain may cause more severe disease or spread faster, which may explain why we are seeing such a high jump.
Even during a norovirus outbreak, it is possible to prevent norovirus and manage norovirus symptoms following the same protocol. Strict hand washing with soap and regular treatment of surfaces with CDC-required bleach-based cleaning solutions help keep infection dangerous. If norovirus does enter your home or school, the positive norovirus symptoms during rest and hydration will give you the best path to symptoms and restore health.
