Treatment and Medication of Norovirus Infection

Norovirus infection can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. Noroviruses are a major cause of gastrointestinal illness in closed and crowded environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes and cruise ships.

Typically, people with norovirus infection develop diarrhea and abdominal pain and begin to vomit within 24 to 48 hours of exposure. Norovirus symptoms may last a few days, but most people recover completely without treatment. However, in some people — especially infants, older adults and people with underlying disease — vomiting and diarrhea can be severely dehydrating and require medical attention.

Norovirus infection is highly contagious. Noroviruses commonly spread through food or water contaminated by fecal matter during preparation. You can also acquire norovirus infection through close contact with an infected person — for instance, if you live in a nursing home or work in a day care facility.

Signs and Sypmtoms of Norovirus Infection

Signs and symptoms of norovirus infection include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Abdominal cramps
Watery or loose diarrhea
Weight loss
Malaise
Low-grade fever

The incubation period for norovirus infection is usually 24 to 48 hours after first exposure to the virus, and signs and symptoms usually last one to three days. You may continue to shed virus in your feces for up to three days after recovery. Some people with norovirus infection may show no signs or symptoms. However, they are still contagious and may unwittingly spread the virus to others.

Causes of Norovirus Infection

Noroviruses are highly contagious and are shed in the feces of infected humans and animals. Oysters, salads and raspberries are among foods that have been responsible for outbreaks. Infected food handlers can transfer the virus to any food product just before it is served.

Methods of transmission include:

Eating contaminated food
Drinking contaminated water
Touching your hand to your mouth after your hand has been in contact with a contaminated surface or object

Noroviruses are difficult to eradicate, because they can withstand hot and cold temperatures, as well as most disinfectants.

Treatment and Medication

There's no specific treatment for norovirus infection, and recovery generally depends on the health of your immune system. In most otherwise-healthy people, the illness usually resolves within a few days.

The key factor is to replace lost fluids. If you're unable to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration, you may need to receive fluids intravenously.