Oh, No. Time to Worry About Norovirus Again

Norovirus outbreaks are common in places where people are close together and touch the same surfaces — like day care centers and cruise ships, said Dr. Camille Sabella, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s. But anyone anywhere can contract the virus. Here’s what to know about symptoms, treatment and prevention.

Stomach flu – there is no such thing

You’ve probably heard the term “stomach flu” many times, especially during the winter months. Maybe you’ve even used it yourself to describe the misery of diarrhea and vomiting that many suffer from every year. But did you know that there really is no such thing as the “stomach flu?”

Stomach Viruses: Our Biggest Tips for Getting Through the Illness

The worst symptoms tend to be in the first 12 hours and usually include rapid vomiting and/or diarrhea back-to-back. Stomach viruses can include just diarrhea, just vomiting, and if you’re really lucky both at the same time. Abdominal pain and nausea are also likely present.

Understanding Viral Gastroenteritis

Some of the common viruses that cause gastroenteritis include: Rotavirus. This virus most commonly infects infants age 3 to 15 months. The illness lasts for 3 to 7 days and is most common in fall and winter. Norovirus. This is the most common cause of adult infections and the virus that’s usually responsible for outbreaks on cruise ships. Symptoms last from 1 to 3 days and can occur any time of the year. Adenovirus. This virus occurs year-round and affects children under age 2. Symptoms last from 5 to 12 days.

Viral Gastroenteritis and Norovirus

The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are watery diarrhea and vomiting. The affected person may also have headache, fever, and abdominal cramps (“stomach ache”). In general, the symptoms begin 1 to 2 days following infection with a virus that causes gastroenteritis and may last for 1 to 10 days, depending on which virus causes the illness.

Viral Strains that Cause “Stomach Flu” Don’t All Look Alike

A new structural analysis of four norovirus strains reveals that the virus’s shell varies in size and molecular arrangement – a surprise finding that could help scientists developing vaccines.

What every parent needs to know about the stomach bug

The most common cause of gastroenteritis is one of several viruses. These germs spread from person to person, sometimes through objects such as telephones, door handles and anything else that multiple hands may touch. “One particular virus that we hear about in the news is Norovirus. Norovirus is often responsible for outbreaks in school classrooms or workplaces since it is very contagious and can be especially severe with symptoms lasting for three days or more,” says Dr. Madueke.

What to know about long lasting stomach viruses

Stomach viruses typically last a few days but can sometimes last a week or more. In some cases, they may cause longer lasting effects on a person’s health.

When a nasty stomach virus strikes…

Because people can continue to be contagious for a while, do everyone a favor, and stay home for a few days (and keep the kids home from school). Remember, try not to prepare food for at least two days after symptoms go away. And keep washing those hands.

Your Stomach Bug Survival Guide

Cases of this dreaded digestive illness spike in the winter. Here’s how you can fight back.