Starting in the early morning hours (about 2:00AM) of this past Wednesday GrandMa Kay started having symptoms of a really nasty virus, with repeated trips to the bathroom plus she was throwing up. And there were the aches and the feverish feelings that you expect from a flu like illness.
She was feeling really bad and stayed in bed most of the day on Wednesday and that night and although she went to work on Thursday she was feeling miserable all day and is still feeling bad today.
So... about 2:00AM this morning it was my turn. :yikes:
Me be feeling like total crap... been in bed most of the day, didn't eat anything all day and it's supposed to last several days.
Here's a quote from the
CDC Page:
What are noroviruses?
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the ?stomach flu,? or gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis), in people. The term norovirus was recently approved as the official name for this group of viruses. Several other names have been used for noroviruses, including:
* Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs)
* caliciviruses (because they belong to the virus family Caliciviridae)
* small round structured viruses.
Viruses are very different from bacteria and parasites, some of which can cause illnesses similar to norovirus infection. Like all viral infections, noroviruses are not affected by treatment with antibiotics, and cannot grow outside of a person?s body.
What are the symptoms of illness caused by noroviruses?
The symptoms of norovirus illness usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Sometimes people additionally have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. In most people the illness is self-limiting with symptoms lasting for about 1 or 2 days. In general, children experience more vomiting than adults.
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What is the name of the illness caused by noroviruses?
Illness caused by norovirus infection has several names, including:
* stomach flu ? this ?stomach flu? is not related to the flu (or influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus.
* viral gastroenteritis ? the most common name for illness caused by norovirus. Gastroenteritis refers to an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
* acute gastroenteritis
* non-bacterial gastroenteritis
* food poisoning (although there are other causes of food poisoning)
* calicivirus infection
How serious is norovirus disease?
People may feel very sick and vomit many times a day, but most people get better within 1 or 2 days, and they have no long-term health effects related to their illness. However, sometimes people are unable to drink enough liquids to replace the liquids they lost because of vomiting and diarrhea. These persons can become dehydrated (lose too much water from their body) and may need special medical attention. During norovirus infection, this problem with dehydration is usually only seen among the very young, the elderly, and people with other illness. (For more information see Is there a treatment for norovirus infection?)
How do people become infected with noroviruses?
Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. People can become infected with the virus in several ways, including:
* eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus;
* touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth;
* having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms (for example, when caring for someone with illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill).
Persons working in day-care centers or nursing homes should pay special attention to children or residents who have norovirus illness. This virus is very contagious and can spread rapidly throughout such environments.
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When do symptoms appear?
Symptoms of norovirus illness usually begin about 24 to 48 hours after ingestion of the virus, but they can appear as early as 12 hours after exposure.
Are noroviruses contagious?
Noroviruses are very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. Both stool and vomit are infectious. Particular care should be taken with young children in diapers who may have diarrhea.How long are people contagious?
People infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days after recovery. Some people may be contagious for as long as 2 weeks after recovery. Therefore, it is particularly important for people to use good handwashing and other hygienic practices after they have recently recovered from norovirus illness.
Who gets norovirus infection?
Anyone can become infected with these viruses. There are many different strains of norovirus, which makes it difficult for a person?s body to develop long-lasting immunity. Therefore, norovirus illness can recur throughout a person?s lifetime. In addition, because of differences in genetic factors, some people are more likely to become infected and develop more severe illness than others.
Is there a treatment for norovirus infection?
There is no vaccine to prevent norovirus infection. And there is no drug to treat people who are infected with the virus. Antibiotic drugs will not help if you have norovirus infection. This is because they fight against bacteria not viruses.
Norovirus illness is usually brief in people who are otherwise healthy. But, the infection can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration (loss of too much water from the body). During norovirus infection, young children, the elderly, and people with other illnesses are most at risk for dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. A dehydrated child may also cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.
Dehydration can lead to other serious problems. And severe dehydration may require hospitalization for treatment with intravenous (IV) fluids. Thus it is important to prevent dehydration during norovirus illness. The best way to protect against dehydration is to drink plenty of liquids. The most helpful fluids for this purpose are oral rehydration fluids (ORF)*. Other drinks that do not contain caffeine or alcohol can also help with mild dehydration. However, these drinks may not replace important nutrients and minerals lost due to vomiting and diarrhea.
Severe dehydration can be serious. If you think you or someone you are caring for is severely dehydrated, contact your healthcare provider.
*Several products with ingredients similar to those in ORFs can be used to prevent or treat mild dehydration. These products?called oral rehydration solutions?are sold as pre-mixed fluids. Following is a list of some oral rehydration solutions commonly available in U.S. food and drug stores: Infalyte, Kao Lectrolyte, Naturalyte, Oralyte, and Pedialyte. If you are unsure about which product to use or how to use these pre-mixed fluids, contact your healthcare provider.
