What are the symptoms of a norovirus infection? How is it treated? How does norovirus spread from person to person. Answers to these questions and more.

Distinguishing Stomach Flu from Other Illnesses

It’s easy to confuse the stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, with other illnesses like influenza or food poisoning. Kelli Miller, an Advanced Practice Nurse, explains the key differences. The stomach flu is primarily caused by viruses, mainly norovirus, which accounts for over 50% of cases. Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli can also be to blame. Unlike the seasonal flu, getting a flu shot does not prevent you from getting the stomach flu.

The symptoms of the stomach flu include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You may also experience a low-grade fever, chills, and muscle aches. These symptoms can start as soon as 12 hours after exposure and can last anywhere from 1 to 14 days.

How can you tell if it’s the stomach flu versus food poisoning? Miller says the timing of the symptoms is the key. With food poisoning, the symptoms tend to occur within hours of eating something questionable. If others who ate the same thing also get sick, it’s likely food poisoning. If you’re the only one who got sick, it’s more likely a viral illness like the stomach flu.

COVID-19 can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in about 20% of cases. But these symptoms usually develop in the first couple of days, before other respiratory or cold-like symptoms appear.

Treating the Stomach Flu at Home

There’s often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis, the official term for the stomach flu. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses and should be avoided, as overusing them can contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Instead, Miller recommends the following self-care steps to treat the stomach flu at home:

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, including water, sports drinks, and for babies and young children, oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte. Avoid sugary drinks like juices and sodas, as they can make diarrhea worse.

Eat the Right Foods

If you don’t have much of an appetite, stick to liquids for a short time. When you’re ready to eat, go for boiled starches like potatoes, noodles, rice, and plain cereals with salt. Crackers, bananas, soup, and boiled vegetables are also good options. Avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or highly-seasoned foods.

Get Plenty of Rest

The illness and dehydration can be tiring, so make sure to get lots of rest.

Consider Medication for Adults

Adults under 65 with diarrhea, no fever, and no blood in their stool can try over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) for 1-2 days, if they are not allergic. Children and adults over 65 should check with their healthcare provider before taking any medications.

Understanding Norovirus Transmission

The stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is highly contagious and spreads through the “fecal-oral” route. This means the virus from infected feces or vomit finds its way into someone’s mouth, either by touching a contaminated surface and then their face, or by consuming contaminated food or water.

What makes norovirus, the primary culprit, so problematic is that it can survive for days on household surfaces. This is why the stomach flu often spreads quickly through families, schools, nursing homes, and other close-contact settings.

To prevent the spread of norovirus, thorough and frequent handwashing is crucial, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food. Cleaning contaminated surfaces with a bleach-based disinfectant is also important.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most cases of the stomach flu can be managed at home with rest and proper hydration. However, there are some signs that indicate the need for medical care:

• Severe dehydration, with symptoms like excessive thirst, dizziness, or little to no urination
• High fever
• Blood in the stool
• Symptoms lasting more than 2 days in adults or 1 day in children
• Inability to keep any fluids down

Seeking prompt medical attention is especially important for young children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions, as they are at higher risk of complications from the stomach flu.

Preventing the Spread of Norovirus

In addition to the self-care measures mentioned earlier, there are a few other steps you can take to help prevent the spread of norovirus and other stomach bugs:

1. Stay home when you’re sick and avoid close contact with others until your symptoms have fully resolved.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
3. Disinfect contaminated surfaces with a bleach-based cleaner.
4. Avoid preparing food for others while you’re ill.
5. Practice good hygiene and sanitation in public places, such as using hand sanitizer and avoiding touching your face.

By taking these precautions, you can help limit the spread of highly contagious stomach viruses and get back on the road to recovery more quickly.

Key Takeaways

In summary, the stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is a common and highly contagious illness caused primarily by norovirus. Its symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes fever, chills, and muscle aches. While unpleasant, the stomach flu can usually be managed at home through proper hydration, a bland diet, and plenty of rest.

To prevent the spread of norovirus, it’s crucial to practice good hygiene, disinfect contaminated surfaces, and stay home when sick. Seeking medical attention is advised if symptoms are severe or persist for more than a couple of days. By understanding the nature of the stomach flu and taking the right precautions, you can get through this unpleasant experience and get back to feeling your best.