Life
7 Common Symptoms Of The Norovirus
Some illnesses hit you with all the subtlety of a freight train. For instance, you may wake up feeling fine, but spend the afternoon wondering if you'll ever be able to leave the bathroom again. In the winter months, it seems like every other person deals with the stomach flu, and sometimes you're a member of that unlucky bunch. Knowing the symptoms of the norovirus ahead of time, and what may indicate a serious health risk, can help you weather these difficult bouts of illness.
Before diving into the symptoms, it's helpful to understand a little more about the norovirus. According to WebMD, the norovirus is a type of virus that can result in stomach and large intestine inflammation (AKA gastroenteritis). As further explained by WebMD, the norovirus is sometimes referred to as the stomach flu, although it is not technically related to influenza. Cases of food poisoning may also relate to the norovirus as well, as foods may become contaminated with the virus. In all, the norovirus is a grody illness that causes approximately 20 million instances of acute gastroenteritis in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from the norovirus. Being aware of the common outbreak settings is a good start. As explained by the CDC, healthcare facilities, food service settings, cruise ships, and schools are common places for a norovirus outbreak. (So you may want to stay away from the cruise ship buffet that's surrounded by medical students.) Additionally, preventing the spread of norovirus may be as simple as washing your hands, according to Nursing Times. Although norovirus is a particularly contagious illness, keeping your hands clean and steering clear of anyone who shows symptoms can help lessen your chances of infection.
Given its relation to food poisoning and the stomach flu, it's no surprise that norovirus symptoms tend to affect your digestive system. Unfortunately, it can make other parts of your body feel like garbage as well. Read on to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of the norovirus so you'll know how to recognize this gross but all-too-common illness.
1You Have Severe Nausea
Sometimes feeling nauseous can be worse than vomiting itself. According to the Mayo Clinic, severe nausea is a common sign of the norovirus. You may not want to get too far away from a bathroom.
2You're Vomiting A Lot
Sometimes that nausea turns into something more. Vomiting is a common reaction to the norovirus, especially in children, as noted by WebMD. Yes, it's pretty miserable.
3You Have Diarrhea
Your digestive system just can't get a break. According to the CDC, diarrhea is another common symptom of the norovirus. Because you didn't feel bad enough already.
4Your Body Aches
Sometimes when you're sick, it can seem like everything hurts. This is sometimes the case with the norovirus. As noted by the CDC, body aches are another symptom of norovirus. It can make you feel like garbage.
5You Suffer Stomach Cramps
It's everyone's other favorite kind of cramp. With all of the digestive upset associated with this illness, it's no surprise stomach cramps may point to the norovirus, as noted by WebMD. It's unrelenting.
6You Have A Fever
Even your head may bear some of the pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, a slight fever may also accompany your norovirus infection. Feel a bit warm lately?
7You Suffer From Fatigue
Lastly, the infection may leave you feeling wiped out. As noted by the Mayo Clinic, a norovirus infection may result in malaise and overall fatigue. It's no surprise all of these other symptoms would make you feel tired.
In general, people will recover from the norovirus within three days or so, according to the CDC. If the illness goes on for longer than this, or you have signs of bloody stool or dehydration, then a trip to the doctor is necessary, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. In the meantime, hopefully you and your loved ones will escape the grips of the norovirus this year.
