Norwalk virus symptoms nhs

Other symptoms might include:. In most cases, norovirus symptoms only last a few days. However, in younger children and the elderly, symptoms can sometimes last longer and be more severe.

Norovirus is highly contagious and is spread by:. The period between when people are exposed to norovirus and when they get sick called the incubation period is about 12 to 48 hours.

In many cases, norovirus is diagnosed after a discussion with the healthcare provider about symptoms. Stool samples can be tested for norovirus, but this is not routinely done by most pediatricians because of the short course of the infection. There is no medicine to treat norovirus. Instead, treatment focuses on managing symptoms at home.

Patients can take these steps to ease norovirus symptoms:. Fortunately, most people recover quickly from norovirus, with vomiting and diarrhea lasting just one to three days. Dehydration is a leading complication of norovirus infection, and can be serious, particularly in young children and the elderly. Signs of dehydration to watch for in young children and babies can include:. When a younger patient has norovirus, dehydration symptoms can appear and progress quickly.

Contact your child's healthcare provider if you believe they are showing signs of dehydration. There is no cure for norovirus infections, so that makes it important to try to prevent infections before they happen. Like the flu and many other viral infections, people typically don't develop immunity to norovirus and can become infected more than once.

To help avoid norovirus infection and keep the virus from spreading when you are sick, it can help to:. The World Health Organization has made the development of a norovirus vaccine a priority. A norovirus vaccine is already being tested in adults, but it is unclear when it will become available and if children can have it. This is when you're most infectious. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading.

Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one. Go to Check with the GP surgery before going in. Other symptoms include:. Symptoms of dehydration include: decrease in urination dry mouth and throat feeling dizzy when standing up. Related Links. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.

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You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Noroviruses are sometimes referred to as "Norwalk virus" or "Norwalk-like virus," based on the name given to the first strain identified in the s. Noroviruses are spread by exposure to infected people or contaminated food and water. The virus is passed in stool and vomit. Outbreaks have been linked to sick food handlers, contaminated shellfish or water contaminated with sewage.

It is generally spread from person to person by direct contact, but some medical reports suggest that the virus can spread through the air during vomiting. Although the virus is easy to spread, serious illness rarely occurs.

The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Diarrhea may occasionally accompany vomiting.