Norovirus, sometimes also called the Norwalk virus, causes the intestinal flu. People infected with a norovirus generally experience stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and a mild fever. Norovirus often occurs in outbreaks. It is a common cause of large numbers of sick people on cruise ships. You can also get through a convalescent home or school with ease.
If you don't wash your hands properly after using the bathroom, norovirus is usually spread to other people. Coming into contact with hands or food prepared by hands contaminated with infected stool molecules can cause outbreaks. Sometimes exposure to raw sewage can also cause norovirus outbreaks. However, the most common is that an outbreak begins with an infected person preparing food for others without washing their hands well.
For example, on a cruise ship, a person who did not wash their hands and then cut fruit for a large fruit salad could infect large numbers of people. The incubation of the disease usually lasts between one and two days. This means that people exposed to norovirus get sick fairly quickly after exposure.
In healthy populations, norovirus is uncomfortable, inconvenient, and miserable. However, interventions are generally not needed as healthy people usually recover in about 24-48 hours. The course of norovirus in the elderly, the very young, or those with serious illnesses can be more complicated.
In young children, constant vomiting and diarrhea can easily lead to dehydration. If you think a child has been exposed to norovirus, it may be best to visit a doctor, especially if the symptoms do not resolve within the first 24 hours. With the elderly and medically fragile, dehydration can also be a factor. Norovirus can also complicate other diseases.
Some people may require hospitalization and IV fluids to recover from norovirus without risking severe dehydration. Dehydration can also prolong vomiting symptoms, and severe dehydration can lead to organ closure. If the symptoms do not resolve in a day or so, one should see a doctor.
To avoid transmission, people should always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the bathroom and before eating. If you are sick with the stomach flu, you should try to stay away from others. Children should be kept home from school until symptoms have resolved. Workers in the food industry, especially, should not go to work when they have the stomach flu.