As winter continues, the rapid spread of norovirus remains unchecked. Hospitals are experiencing a surge in cases of the winter vomiting bug, overwhelming the NHS with a high volume of infections. Last week alone, approximately 1,160 hospital beds were occupied daily by patients suffering from symptoms associated with this severe and highly contagious illness. This number has more than doubled compared to the same period last year, reflecting a 22% increase in just one week. The impact of this bug is significant, often resulting in the closure of hospital wards and causing absences from school and work for affected individuals and their families.
Fortunately, there is hope on the horizon with the recent announcement in October 2024 that the world’s first vaccine to combat norovirus is under development in the UK. However, the vaccine is not expected to be available until 2026, delaying its potential benefits. According to Lucy Thorne, a molecular virology lecturer at Imperial College London, the virus has the ability to mutate easily, similar to other viruses like influenza and Covid, necessitating potential yearly boosters for high-risk groups even with the vaccine.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
How is norovirus transmitted?
Which foods can harbor norovirus?
How can you safeguard yourself?
Is there a cure for norovirus?
What exactly is norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus known to cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, making it the primary cause of acute gastroenteritis characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The virus is most contagious from the onset of symptoms until 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided. Infected individuals may experience severe nausea and frequent vomiting, sometimes occurring suddenly and multiple times a day. Interestingly, some individuals may carry the virus without displaying any symptoms while still being capable of transmitting it to others.
The symptoms of norovirus are unpleasant and typically include diarrhea and forceful vomiting simultaneously, earning it the moniker of the “Two Bucket Disease.” Additional symptoms may include stomach cramps, muscle aches, and fever. In young children, norovirus can also trigger seizures due to high fever, although the exact mechanism behind this remains unclear.
How does norovirus spread?
Norovirus is primarily transmitted through direct contact with an infected individual or contaminated surfaces. The virus can spread via aerosolized particles from projectile vomiting, contaminating surfaces up to 9 feet away. Additionally, the virus can be spread through the fecal-oral route, where contaminated hands transfer the virus to surfaces that are then touched near the mouth.
How contagious is norovirus?
Norovirus is highly contagious, with studies indicating that exposure to as few as 20 viral particles can lead to infection. To put this into perspective, a single teaspoon of infected feces may contain up to five billion virus particles, theoretically enough to infect the entire global population
It’s crucial to understand the importance of containing and preventing the spread of norovirus. The virus is highly stable and can persist on surfaces for weeks, remaining infectious and posing a risk of transmission. Norovirus is commonly found in foods such as leafy greens, fresh fruits, and shellfish. Outbreaks often occur in restaurants or catered events where infected workers handle ready-to-eat foods. Contamination can also originate from farm produce, like oysters harvested from polluted water or fruits and vegetables washed with contaminated water.
Cooking can deactivate the virus, making it less of a concern when food is cooked. However, raw foods, salads, and fruits washed in contaminated water can still pose a risk. If infected with norovirus, it is important to stay home until symptoms resolve, as you can still be contagious even after feeling better. Taking precautions such as avoiding preparing meals for others, not sharing personal items, eating easily digestible foods, staying hydrated, and resting are key to managing the illness at home.
For individuals with norovirus, it is recommended to avoid foods that are hard to digest, such as fatty, fried, or spicy foods, and dairy products. Instead, opt for easily digestible foods like white rice, bananas, bread, or toast. Staying hydrated by drinking water regularly and replenishing electrolytes lost through dehydration are crucial.
To protect yourself from norovirus, practice good hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water before eating or touching your face.
“If you have been in close contact with someone displaying symptoms consistent with norovirus, it is important to take steps to disinfect your living space as well. Thoroughly clean your home after someone has been ill, extending your cleaning efforts beyond just the immediate areas where the infected person has come into contact. It is recommended to imagine a radius of 9 feet around wherever the individual with norovirus has been present,” advises Thorne.
Ensure that any items which may have come into contact with the virus are washed separately in hot water to prevent further contamination. Thorne also suggests the importance of not storing toothbrushes near the toilet, especially when someone in the household is unwell.
Many standard disinfectants are not effective against norovirus, and alcohol is also ineffective in killing the virus. Instead, it is recommended to use a bleach-based cleaner for effective disinfection.
Additionally, experts caution against taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach, as it can potentially irritate the stomach lining. The NHS also advises against consuming raw or unwashed foods to minimize the risk of norovirus infection.
While there is currently no specific cure for norovirus, doctors can help manage the symptoms of the illness. In cases where individuals with weakened immune systems are affected, norovirus can pose serious and long-term health risks. Seeking professional medical assistance is crucial in such situations to support hydration, nutrition, and explore potential treatment options.
Although a vaccine for norovirus is under development, it is not yet available. If you do contract norovirus, it is essential to stay at home to prevent spreading the virus to others.
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