Norovirus Outbreak: What You Need to Know

By: Miranda Torres

Norovirus, often referred to as the stomach flu, is making headlines as outbreaks are being reported in communities across the U.S. Understanding norovirus symptoms, prevention, and treatment can help protect you and your loved ones.

What’s norovirus?

Norovirus causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines. It spreads easily through contact with infected people or contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Despite its nickname, norovirus isn’t the flu, which is caused by influenza viruses.

Norovirus Symptoms

Norovirus symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure. They can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps or pain
• Low-grade fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches

These symptoms usually last one to three days, but they can be more severe in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Dehydration is a common complication, particularly for those who are vomiting or experiencing diarrhea.

How does norovirus spread?

Norovirus spreads in places where people are in close contact. It can be transmitted through:

• Eating or drinking contaminated food and water.
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth.
• Direct contact with someone who’s infected.

Even after symptoms go away, the virus can still be present in a person’s stool for up to two weeks, making it important to maintain good hygiene practices.

Preventing Norovirus

While there’s no vaccine to prevent norovirus, there are effective ways to reduce your risk of infection:

1. Wash your hands frequently: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after caring for someone who’s sick. Hand sanitizers are less effective against norovirus, but can be used as an additional precaution.
2. Handle food safely: Wash fruits and vegetables, and cook seafood to the right temperatures. Avoid preparing food for others if you’re not feeling well or are recovering from a recent illness.
3. Clean and disinfect surfaces: Use a bleach-based cleaner to disinfect surfaces, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Norovirus can survive on surfaces for days, so deep cleaning is essential.
4. Stay home if you’re sick: Avoid going to work, school, or public places until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

Treating Norovirus

There’s no specific treatment for norovirus, but you can manage symptoms and speed up recovery with these steps:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to replace what you lose through vomiting and diarrhea. Water, rehydration solutions like liquid electrolytes, or clear broths are good choices. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, which can make dehydration worse.
• Rest: Your body needs time to recover, so get plenty of rest and avoid hard activities.
• Eat small, bland meals: Once you feel ready to eat, start with bland foods like crackers, rice, or toast. Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavy foods until your stomach has settled.

If symptoms continue for more than three days, or if you experience severe dehydration (such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, or reduced urination), get professional medical help immediately.

Why Norovirus Outbreaks Are Common

Norovirus outbreaks occur more often in colder months, though they can happen year-round. Places like schools, nursing homes, cruise ships, and restaurants are particularly vulnerable because of the large crowds in enclosed spaces.

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms associated with norovirus, visit your nearest UHealth Jackson Urgent Care center. Click here to learn more about our services.