Norovirus, commonly known as the “stomach bug,” is well-known for causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. But did you know that it can also trigger other symptoms? Experts warn that people infected with norovirus might experience a range of viral symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and headaches.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that this year’s norovirus outbreak has been unusually severe. In December, there were 426 outbreaks across 14 states, and 225 outbreaks occurred in just the first two weeks of January. This is significantly higher than previous years, with 2012–2020 seeing no more than 275 outbreaks in December.
What Are the Symptoms of Norovirus?
While vomiting and diarrhea are the hallmark symptoms of norovirus, not everyone will experience both. Some people may have only one symptom, but most will have both, says Dr. Shira Doron, an expert in infection control at Tufts Medicine.
Other symptoms can include a fever, which may come with chills. However, Dr. Doron notes that less than half of norovirus cases involve a fever.
In addition to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, norovirus can also cause fatigue, body aches, and headaches. These symptoms are common in viral infections, as they are part of the body’s immune response to fighting the virus, explains Dr. Amy Edwards, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital.
Notably, some people may have no symptoms at all, and the severity of symptoms can vary greatly depending on the person’s immune system and how much of the virus they are exposed to.
How Long Does Norovirus Last?
Fortunately, norovirus usually resolves on its own within two days. Dr. Geeta Sood, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, says the virus is short-lived, though it’s highly contagious. To avoid dehydration, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids. If symptoms last longer than three days or worsen, it’s crucial to seek medical advice.
During the illness, patients should avoid contact with others to prevent the virus from spreading. Experts also recommend cleaning your home thoroughly with bleach, as norovirus can survive on surfaces for weeks.
Preventing the Spread of Norovirus
Norovirus is tricky to eliminate because it mutates quickly, which means people don’t develop lasting immunity. To reduce the spread, Dr. Sood emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean environment and avoiding exposure to others while you’re sick.
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