What are the main symptoms of norovirus infection. How long is the contagious period for norovirus. What are the most effective treatment options for norovirus. How can you differentiate norovirus from other stomach bugs. What precautions should you take to avoid spreading norovirus.

What is Norovirus Infection?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is often referred to as the “stomach flu” or “winter vomiting bug”, although it is not related to influenza. Norovirus is responsible for millions of cases of acute gastroenteritis worldwide each year.

This virus spreads quickly in closed environments like cruise ships, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. It can infect people of all ages, but young children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to severe symptoms and complications.

How Does Norovirus Spread?

Norovirus spreads through several routes:

• Direct contact with an infected person
• Consuming contaminated food or water
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth
• Inhaling airborne particles after someone with the virus vomits or flushes a toilet

The virus is extremely hardy and can survive on surfaces for days or weeks if not properly disinfected. This resilience contributes to its rapid spread in communal settings.

Recognizing Norovirus Symptoms

Norovirus infection typically begins suddenly, with symptoms appearing 12 to 48 hours after exposure. The most common symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Watery diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Low-grade fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue

While these symptoms can be severe and unpleasant, they usually resolve on their own within 1-3 days in healthy individuals. However, the illness can last longer and be more serious in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

How Severe Can Norovirus Symptoms Get?

In most cases, norovirus causes acute, self-limiting gastroenteritis. However, in some cases, particularly among vulnerable populations, complications can arise. These may include:

• Severe dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Malnutrition (in prolonged cases)
• Exacerbation of existing chronic conditions

If symptoms persist beyond 3 days, become severe, or if signs of dehydration develop, medical attention should be sought promptly.

The Contagious Period of Norovirus

Understanding the contagious period of norovirus is crucial for preventing its spread. But how long exactly is a person with norovirus infectious to others?

People with norovirus are most contagious:

• While they are experiencing symptoms, especially during episodes of vomiting and diarrhea
• During the first few days after recovery

However, it’s important to note that individuals can shed the virus in their stool for up to two weeks after recovery. Some studies have even detected the virus in stool samples for up to 56 days in certain cases, although it’s unclear if the virus remains infectious for this entire period.

When Can You Return to Normal Activities After Norovirus?

To minimize the risk of spreading the infection, it’s generally recommended that individuals with norovirus:

• Stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved
• Avoid preparing food for others for 2-3 days after recovery
• Practice rigorous hand hygiene for several weeks following illness

These precautions are particularly important for those working in healthcare, food service, or childcare settings.

Effective Treatment Options for Norovirus

There is no specific antiviral medication to treat norovirus infection. The primary goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and prevent complications, particularly dehydration. The most effective treatment approaches include:

1. Hydration Therapy

Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is crucial. This can be achieved through:

• Oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
• Clear broths
• Water
• In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be necessary

2. Dietary Management

Once vomiting subsides:

• Start with small, frequent meals
• Choose easily digestible foods (bananas, rice, toast, applesauce)
• Avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or spicy foods

3. Rest

Adequate rest allows the body to focus energy on fighting the infection and recovering.

4. Symptomatic Relief

Over-the-counter medications may help alleviate specific symptoms:

• Antidiarrheal medications (use with caution and only if recommended by a healthcare provider)
• Anti-emetics for nausea and vomiting
• Pain relievers for headaches and body aches

It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before using any medications, especially for children or individuals with underlying health conditions.

Differentiating Norovirus from Other Stomach Bugs

Norovirus shares symptoms with several other gastrointestinal illnesses, making diagnosis challenging without laboratory tests. However, certain characteristics can help differentiate norovirus from other common stomach bugs:

Norovirus vs. Food Poisoning

While both can cause similar symptoms, key differences include:

• Onset: Food poisoning symptoms often appear within hours of eating contaminated food, while norovirus typically has a 12-48 hour incubation period.
• Duration: Food poisoning usually resolves within 24 hours, while norovirus can last up to 3 days.
• Contagiousness: Norovirus is highly contagious from person to person, while many forms of food poisoning are not.

Norovirus vs. Rotavirus

Rotavirus is another common cause of gastroenteritis, especially in young children. Differences include:

• Age group: Rotavirus primarily affects children under 5, while norovirus can affect all age groups.
• Seasonality: Rotavirus peaks in winter and early spring, while norovirus can occur year-round.
• Vaccination: There is a vaccine available for rotavirus, but not for norovirus.

Norovirus vs. Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial causes of gastroenteritis (like Salmonella or E. coli) may be distinguished by:

• Presence of blood in stool: More common in bacterial infections
• Fever: Often higher in bacterial infections
• Duration: Bacterial infections may last longer without treatment

If symptoms are severe or prolonged, laboratory testing may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Preventing the Spread of Norovirus

Given the high contagiousness and resilience of norovirus, prevention is crucial. What precautions should you take to avoid spreading or contracting norovirus?

1. Hand Hygiene

Proper hand washing is the most effective way to prevent norovirus spread:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Key times: after using the toilet, changing diapers, before eating or preparing food
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not as effective against norovirus

2. Food Safety

To prevent foodborne transmission:

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
• Cook shellfish and other seafood completely
• Do not prepare food for others if you’re sick

3. Environmental Cleaning

Norovirus can survive on surfaces for long periods:

• Use chlorine bleach-based cleaners or other EPA-approved disinfectants
• Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces
• Wash contaminated clothing and linens thoroughly

4. Isolation

If you’re infected:

• Stay home until at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve
• Avoid close contact with others, especially in shared living spaces

5. Proper Handling of Bodily Fluids

When cleaning up after someone with norovirus:

• Wear disposable gloves
• Use paper towels and dispose of waste securely
• Clean and disinfect the area thoroughly

Norovirus in Special Populations

While norovirus can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness or complications. How does norovirus impact these special populations?

Children

Young children are particularly susceptible to norovirus:

• They may experience more severe vomiting and diarrhea
• Dehydration can occur more quickly
• They may need closer monitoring and more aggressive rehydration

Older Adults

Elderly individuals face increased risks:

• Higher likelihood of severe dehydration
• Potential exacerbation of existing health conditions
• May require hospitalization more frequently

Immunocompromised Individuals

Those with weakened immune systems may experience:

• More severe and prolonged symptoms
• Higher risk of complications
• Potential for chronic norovirus infection in rare cases

For these high-risk groups, early medical intervention and close monitoring are crucial to prevent complications and ensure proper management of the illness.

The Global Impact of Norovirus

Norovirus is a significant public health concern worldwide. What is the global impact of this highly contagious virus?

Epidemiology

Norovirus affects people of all ages across the globe:

• Causes an estimated 685 million cases annually
• Responsible for about 200,000 deaths per year, mostly in developing countries
• Leads to approximately 400,000 emergency department visits in the U.S. alone

Economic Burden

The economic impact of norovirus is substantial:

• Healthcare costs for treatment and hospitalization
• Lost productivity due to illness and caregiving
• Expenses related to outbreak control measures

Outbreaks

Norovirus is notorious for causing outbreaks in various settings:

• Healthcare facilities (hospitals, nursing homes)
• Schools and daycare centers
• Cruise ships
• Military installations
• Large gatherings and events

These outbreaks can be challenging to control due to the virus’s high infectivity and environmental persistence.

Research and Development

Efforts to combat norovirus globally include:

• Ongoing research into vaccine development
• Improvements in diagnostic techniques
• Development of more effective disinfection methods
• Enhanced surveillance and outbreak response strategies

Understanding the global impact of norovirus underscores the importance of continued research, prevention efforts, and public health measures to mitigate its effects on populations worldwide.

Stomach Flu or Food Poisoning? How to Tell Difference

While the bathroom may be a safe, quiet space for many us to do our business privately – especially for some parents who need space from their little ones – you definitely don’t want to find yourself on the toilet for too long.

However, if you’ve been hit hard with vomiting, diarrhea or both, it’s probably an arm’s length away at the moment.

Was it the chicken that didn’t taste quite right last night? Or did you get it from someone? Whatever the reason, clearly you’ve either come down with food poisoning or the dreaded stomach bug. But how do you know the difference? It may be tough to know at first because the symptoms are so similar.

“There is quite a lot of overlap between the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”) and food poisoning,” said Matthew Cook, DO, a family medicine physician with Banner Health Clinic in San Tan Valley, AZ. “Both illnesses share many of the same symptoms.”

If you find yourself praying to the porcelain god, here’s how to differentiate between the two and get yourself some much-needed relief for both.

The Stomach Flu

The word flu may be in the name, but the stomach flu isn’t influenza. It’s a nonspecific term for viral gastroenteritis and is not technically a “flu” at all. Viral gastroenteritis essentially refers to any virus that causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and/or fever.

The stomach flu can be caused by:

• Contact with someone with the virus
• Eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water
• Unwashed hands after using the bathroom or handling fecal matter (i.e., changing a baby’s diaper)

Food Poisoning

Unlike viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning is strictly based on what you eat. It can be caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses. And just like with the stomach flu, you may experience the same symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

Food poisoning can be caused by:

• Eating undercooked meat
• Handling food without washing hands
• Eating something that was washed with contaminated water or was grown or caught in contaminated water
• Eating contaminated deli meats
• Drinking unpasteurized dairy and cheeses

The Biggest Difference Between the Two

While both are pretty miserable to have, if you want to differentiate between the two, Dr. Cook said the main differences will be food and timing of symptoms.

If you develop symptoms within a few hours of eating, this is almost certainly food poisoning.

“Can you identify a potential food that caused your symptoms, such as improperly cooked meat, food left outside, street food, food with a bad odor?” he asked. “Are other people sick who ate the same food? If the food was purchased at a store or eaten at a restaurant, it’s important to alert your doctor or the local public health office to prevent others from getting sick and contain a potential outbreak.”

How to Treat Both

If you are experiencing diarrhea, vomiting or both, you definitely lose a lot of fluids. This means you can quickly become dehydrated. You’ll want to combat that at the first sign of the illness.

“The mainstay of treating both food poisoning and viral gastroenteritis is hydration,” Dr. Cook said. “You’ll want to replenish the fluids lost.”

To stay hydrated, slowly but frequently sip water. If your stomach can tolerate more, you can sip more often. You can also try oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte or DripDrop to help replenish lost nutrients and electrolytes but steer clear of sugary sports drinks. Read “5 Tips to Prevent Dehydration When You Have Diarrhea or Vomiting” for more hydration tips.

The other thing to do is get plenty of rest as you ride whatever you have out. If things don’t get better, however, call your doctor.

“Patients with red flag or severe symptoms, such as bloody stools, an inability to keep fluids down or symptoms greater than a week, should seek medical attention,” Dr. Cook cautioned. “These symptoms may require stool studies, antibiotics or even hospitalization and shouldn’t be ignored.”

If you aren’t able to get ahold of your primary care doctor, and you are experiencing red flag symptoms, go to your nearest urgent care or emergency department. To find a Banner Urgent Care near you, visit bannerhealth.com.

Also Read:

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Chief medical officer explains the common COVID-19 symptoms – Jagwire

Researchers are discovering more each day about COVID-19 and the varying symptoms the disease causes.

The most common symptoms of the mysterious novel coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath. But Augusta University Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Phillip Coule says there are additional symptoms of the virus that mimic the common cold or flu.

“COVID-19 symptoms can be experienced within 14 days of being exposed to the virus, which is why the public needs to recognize the signs to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Coule.

Below are indicators Coule says to look for if you think you or a loved one has COVID-19.

Fever

A key sign of COVID-19 is a fever, which indicates the body’s temperature is 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Since everyone’s core temperature changes throughout the day, check your temperature in the early to late afternoon for a more accurate reading. If the fever lasts more than two to five days, seek medical attention.

Shortness of breath

Considered to be the most serious of the symptoms, shortness of breath is not always the first symptom to appear, and it can occur without a cough. If the chest feels tight or you can’t breathe deeply, seek medical attention right away.

Upset stomach

Although cough and fever are usually the initial signs of COVID-19, it’s important to know that abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea can happen before respiratory symptoms appear. If these symptoms continue to worsen, it may not be a stomach bug but a sign of a more serious condition, like the coronavirus.

Tiredness and body aches

Many patients with COVID-19 experience fatigue, flu-like chills, and achy joints and muscles. A recent report from the World Health Organization stated nearly 40% of COVID-19 patients had moments of tiredness. Although these symptoms happen with the flu, it could be the coronavirus if things don’t improve after a week or so.

Dry cough

A dry cough is felt deep within the chest with no mucus or phlegm being produced. Dry coughs can be a symptom of a variety of other illnesses, including allergies and asthma. However, if you are coughing and experiencing other symptoms related to COVID-19, consider getting tested for the coronavirus.

Moments of confusion

Sudden confusion or the inability to be alert is a serious symptom of COVID-19, and emergency care should be given.

Headaches, sore throat and congestion

Headache is not a common COVID-19 symptom, but nearly 14% of patients experienced it, according to the Report of the WHO-China Joint Mission on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Sore throat and congestion can also be signs of the common cold or flu, but they can also indicate a more serious condition, such as COVID-19. So, get tested if your symptoms worsen or last longer than normal.

Loss of smell and taste

In mild to moderate COVID-19 cases, the loss of smell and taste, or anosmia, seems to be an early sign of the virus. However, anosmia can also be a result of the common cold, congestion or medications. If you believe you’re experiencing anosmia and do not have a medical reason to explain the loss, take the symptom seriously and get tested.

Patients concerned about COVID-19 can now be screened for the virus by using the AU Health COVID-19 Virtual Screening website or downloading the AU Health Express Care app for Apple or Android devices. Through the new telehealth platform, patients can now receive free virtual screenings for coronavirus, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no appointment required.

Read the latest news on COVID-19 on our dedicated resource page , and check out the Augusta University Expert Center to view a complete list of our experts.

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Knowing the different symptoms of coronavirus, flu and allergies

(KWQC/WIS) – While the globe focuses in on the new coronavorus, also known as COVID-19, there are still concerns over the flu and even allergies as spring approaches.

This season alone, the CDC reports at least 20,000 deaths have been attributed to influenza.

Meanwhile, more coronavirus cases are being reported across the country, and here in South Carolina.

Between the flu, coronavirus and allergies, do you know the different symptoms?

Allergy symptoms:

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that the following are symptoms of allergies.

• runny nose, stuffy nose and sneezing
• wheezing, shortness of breath
• cough
• rashes
• fatigue
• headache
• nausea and vomiting
• fever

Flu symptoms:

The CDC reports that influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. The following are symptoms of the flu.

• fever, or feeling feverish/chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue (tiredness)
• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults

COVID-19 symptoms:

The CDC reports the following are symptoms of COVID-19.

• Cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• May appear 2-14 days after exposure

Anyone who believes they are showing symptoms of coronavirus is urged to call their healthcare provider.

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has launched a FREE online platform to aid with coronavirus diagnosis and care. Log onto www.musc.care and access the COVID-19 platform. The service is free with code: COVID19.

Prisma Health also just launched a free virtual visit, which allows patients to video conference with a doctor instead of coming into a facility. The goal is to keep patients who don’t need to be treated at a hospital at home. Go to prismahealth.org/virtual-visit and use promo code COVID19 for a free virtual visit.

Click or tap here to read the latest coronavirus report from DHEC.

People with general questions about coronavirus should call the DHEC Care Line at 855-472-3432. The line is open from 8 a. m. to 6 p.m. every day. Callers are urged to be patient as call volumes are high.

Copyright 2020 WIS. All rights reserved.

Coronavirus symptoms linger weeks, months later

We’re continuing to learn a lot about the coronavirus now, almost seven months into this pandemic.

One thing that is becoming clear is that the symptoms continue to linger weeks to even months after the initial diagnosis for some people.

A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, which conducted phone interviews with people who had a positive COVID-19 test two to three weeks earlier, showed that 35 percent of those who had been symptomatic had not returned to their pre-COVID-19 health. That was true across age groups: 26 percent for people ages 18-34, 32 percent for people ages 35-49 and 47 percent for people 50 years old or older. It was also true for people who did not have any pre-existing condition before getting COVID-19.

The most common symptom that lingers is the cough, but people also reported fatigue, difficulty breathing, congestion, sore throat, chest pain, headache, body aches, fever, chills, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and confusion.

“COVID is really going to multiple body organs,” says Dr. Esther Melamed, an assistant professor of neurology at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. “It weakens the entire body of people who have it.”

Melamed says there is even a term for those patients who are still experiencing symptoms weeks to months later: “long-haulers.”

For her patients, how long it lasts doesn’t seem to have a connection to how severe their disease was in the first place, she says.

Several of her patients who had a mild case are still reporting severe fatigue, lack of motivation and mood changes more than a month to two months later, she says.

Melamed and her colleagues at UT and Dell Medical School are part of a 15-site National Institutes of Health study to understand the immunology of COVID-19.

“We’re fighting the virus by trying to understand it,” she says.

Like the flu, COVID-19 can weaken a person, making them more susceptible to other viruses and pneumonia. That’s why doctors are urging people to get the flu shot this year because they fear what will happen if a person gets the flu then gets COVID-19 or vice versa.

Unlike the flu, though, it’s not just the respiratory symptoms. It’s affecting the brain, the spine, digestion and muscles including the heart.

The other thing that Melamed and doctors around the country are starting to understand about the virus is that people can become reinfected with a different strain of it. The reinfection might be milder or it might be more severe.

There are things people can do to try to improve the course of their disease. Melamed recommends a proper diet with a lot of fruit and vegetables, protein and antioxidants like those found in berries. As well, she recommends a lot of Vitamin D, sleep and taking care of their mental health.

If you are still having symptoms of COVID-19 weeks later, see your doctor. Things like an inhaler could be helpful for the breathing; physical therapy and occupational therapy might also be needed for the other symptoms.

What are other coronavirus symptoms besides cough and fever?

Fever, cough and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms of coronavirus, but what are some less common signs you may have the virus?

Fatigue

Up to 44 percent of hospitalized COVID-19 patients reported they were exhausted and fatigued, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

A 54-year-old woman told the Washington Post her first noticeable signs of catching the virus were dizziness and fatigue. She found out a few days later she had COVID-19.

Fatigue is also a symptom of influenza or the common cold, so you may not have COVID-19 if it’s one of your only symptoms.

Body aches

One of the first signs Elizabeth Schneider, of Seattle, had when she became ill was body aches, along with a slight fever and a headache, she told USA Today. Her symptoms later progressed before finding out she had coronavirus.

Body aches were the worst symptom for 48-year-old California woman Cara Vidano, who suspects she has the virus, according to the Press Democrat. Her 53-year-old boyfriend has a confirmed COVID-19 case.

“Our legs were so sore,” she told the Press Democrat. “It was like we had run a long-distance race.”

A Los Angeles man who got the virus while on a ski trip in Italy told CBS LA that COVID-19 caused the worst body aches he’s ever had.

Diarrhea

A study by the American Journal of Gastroenterology showed nearly half of hospitalized COVID-19 patients said their primary complaint were digestive issues, including diarrhea.

Patients with digestive symptoms had a higher risk of death, the study found.

A New Jersey man who tested positive told Vice he didn’t have a cough, but one of his symptoms was diarrhea. He also suffered aches, pains and dizziness.

Stomach cramps and vomiting are other gastrointestinal problems that could mean you have coronavirus, Dr. Ajay Kumar of Hartford HealthCare told the CTPost.

Loss of smell or taste

An association of British ear, nose and throat doctors said there were “significant numbers” of people with coronavirus in China, Italy and South Korea who also experienced anosmia, which is the loss of smell.

Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert was among the positive cases who said he lost his smell and taste. He said after testing positive he hadn’t “been able to smell anything for the last 4 days.”

Dr. Claire Hopkins, a surgeon with the British association, said the loss of smell and taste was more common in younger patients who often did not have the significant symptoms.

The virus could cause loss of smell or taste because it originates in the nasal cavity, according to Bloomberg.

Runny nose

Having a runny nose isn’t a definitive symptom, but it could mean you have the virus if other symptoms are also present, according to the World Health Organization.

Nasal congestion was only shown in one out of every 20 coronavirus patients in a Chinese report, Dr. Kristine Arthur with Memorial Care Medical Group told Healthline.

Another lesser known coronavirus symptom is itchy, red eyes.

Related stories from Miami Herald

Food Poisoning vs Stomach Flu

Food poisoning and stomach bugs (or viral gastroenteritis as it is known medically) are common terms for two types of acute gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses resulting in stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea.

No matter how many times you’ve had them in the past, they’re still terribly uncomfortable. Since the symptoms of both illnesses are similar, it can be tough to differentiate between the two. So if you find yourself sick with vomiting and diarrhea, here are some tips for determining whether it’s food poisoning or the stomach flu.

Key Differences: Food Poisoning and Stomach Bugs

You may not notice a big difference in how you feel when you come down with a stomach illness, but at the cellular level, it’s like comparing apples to oranges.

A “stomach bug” or the “stomach flu” is generally caused by one of several types of viral infections like adenovirus, coronavirus or rhinovirus. 

General food poisoning is the result of bacterial contamination. That means your medical provider may offer a treatment plan for one that they would not offer for the other.

Take a closer look at the key differences below:

When to Go to Urgent Care for Food Poisoning vs ER

Most of the time, it’s fine to pick urgent care if you want an opinion after coming down with food poisoning or a stomach bug. As long as you’re not in potentially life-threatening danger, urgent care providers will be able to offer the medical opinion you need. 

That said, if it does seem serious, a trip to the ER may be in order. So, how do you know if food poisoning or a stomach virus is bad enough to warrant a hospital visit? If you’re experiencing one of the symptoms below, seek medical emergency attention immediately:

• Blood in stool or vomit
• Green or yellow colored vomit
• Severe dehydration
• Fever above 101°F (38.3ºC) (see special considerations for children though)
• Severe and/or constant pain in the abdomen
• Passing out
• Trouble swallowing or breathing

Getting Over Stomach Viruses & Food Poisoning

The path to feeling better is roughly the same even if stomach viruses are significantly different than food poisoning. As with most illnesses, staying hydrated is key. Since stomach viruses and food poisoning tend to result in your body expelling fluids, you’ll want to replenish those fluids with water, electrolyte drink or tea.

Remember to stay away from alcohol and coffee, as these drinks are dehydrating and will keep you passing very watery diarrhea.

When you have a stomach illness, your digestive system tends to be sensitive. That means you’ll want to eat foods that are bland and easy to digest, and maybe even limit yourself to consuming liquids until you feel that you can handle solid food. Even if you love spicy food, it’s best to put down that hot sauce as spicy foods can be hard on the stomach while digesting. When in doubt, and looking for tried & true home remedies, you can follow the BRAT diet:

B – Bananas

R – Rice

A – Apples

T – Toast

Other easy to digest foods include potatoes, vegetables, and plain yogurt (if you are not sensitive to dairy products).

When food poisoning is caused by bacteria, sometimes antibiotics are prescribed. Unlike with viruses, bacteria can be fought with prescription medication, so be sure to seek medical attention, such as an urgent care. If antibiotics are not needed, staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest is usually your best bet to feeling better.

Everything You Need to Know About

Food Poisoning

Put simply, food poisoning is what happens when you eat food that is contaminated or spoiled. It’s very common in the U.S., but luckily, food poisoning rarely lasts more than 48 hours. 

Even mild food allergies are a form of mild food poisoning.

There is no science-backed definition for food poisoning – it’s a more generalized term. When people talk about food poisoning, they’re referring to a non-specific illness transmitted through food. Although bacteria is usually the culprit behind food poisoning, there are cases every year where of food poisoning by parasites or viruses. 

Here are a few common types of bacteria that lead to food poisoning:

• E. coli
• Listeria
• Salmonella
• Campylobacter
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Clostridium perfringens

Even if parasites are less often the cause of food poisoning, it does happen. Toxoplasma, a parasite sometimes found in cat litter, is the parasite more often reported in cases of food poisoning. Other types of parasites include cryptosporidium, Entamoeba histolyica, and giardia. Typically, these parasites are transmitted through raw or uncooked meat, and food poisoning caused by parasites can lead to swollen glands and rashes.

As far as foodborne viruses, perhaps the most well known one is the norovirus. Over 19M cases are reported each year. The norovirus, aka Norwalk virus, is more likely to be transmitted and winter and can cause 1-3 days of discomfort. Although the norovirus is often transmitted through contaminated foods like raw produce and oysters, the virus can also be transmitted if you touch your nose, mouth, or eyes after coming into contact with the infection. Since there are many different types of noroviruses, building an immunity to one does not mean you are immune to all types of noroviruses.

Everything You Need to Know About the

Stomach Flu

Fun fact: the “Stomach Flu” isn’t actually related to the flu virus at all.

The only commonality is that stomach bugs and the flu are both viruses. The stomach flu lasts anywhere from 1-10 days, depending on your immune system and the individual strain of the virus.

Unlike food poisoning, stomach bugs are usually not contracted via contaminated foods. You catch a stomach virus like you catch the flu – by coming into contact with someone who is infected.

If you’re aware someone has the stomach flu, you’ll want to take extra precaution to wash your hands after touching something an infected person has touched.

Try to refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as this is the easiest way to pass the virus on from the infected person to yourself.

Technically, you can catch a stomach virus through eating contaminated food and raw meats or drinking non-potable water. When this happens, it’s a similar effect to putting your hand in your mouth after touching an infected person.

Make sure to avoid sharing food and drinks with someone who has a stomach bug.

Reducing the Chance of Infection

By following a few simple tips, you can take the proper precautions to reduce the chances of food poisoning and stomach viruses. Even if you currently have one of these illnesses, it pays to take preventative measures in the future!

How to Prevent Food Poisoning

• Ensure the person who prepares your food has washed their hands
• Make sure seafood is thoroughly cooked
• Cook beef to 160°F / Pork to 145°F / Poultry to 165°F
• Avoid food left out of refrigerator for 2+ hours
• If food appears questionable, don’t consume it
• Do not drink water that is non-potable

How to Prevent Stomach Viruses

When it comes to stomach viruses, it pays to be mindful of those who have a stomach bug. Make sure to wash your hands and refrain from touching your eyes, ears, and nose after coming into contact with an infected person.  

Also, with viruses, such as Clostridium perfringens and Campylobacter, making sure to thoroughly cook meat and poultry fully can help reduce the chance of viral infections.

Points to Take Home

Whether it’s food poisoning or a stomach bug, it’s never a fun time for the infected person. However, these two illnesses tend to pass quickly. Try to avoid questionable foods and take proper hygiene precautions around infected persons.

Millions of people catch stomach viruses and have food poisoning spells every year. In the U.S., more than 20 million stomach flu cases and around 48 million food poisoning cases are reported per year.

You’re not alone! Remember to stay hydrated, eat easily digested food, get your annual flu shot, and seek help when needed. Use the location widget below to book and appointment at the nearest GoHealth Urgent Care location!

See our prices on co-pays and same-day visits, with and without insurance.

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Dry cough, sore throat, fever, smell

Coronavirus: What to do if you believe you’re infected

Cincinnati Enquirer staff writer Ann Sacker explains the steps you should take if you believe you have the novel coronavirus.

Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

For Elizabeth Schneider, her bout with the coronavirus began with a scratchy throat, exhaustion and a headache. Then came fever, chills and nausea. But she never had shortness of breath or coughing.

Charlie Campbell’s 89-year-old dad had a cough and irregular heart rate and was briefly on oxygen before he recovered. 

Amy Driscoll first experienced shortness of breath and her chest felt constricted.

For Bill Houser, a Superior Court judge in Kitsap County, Washington, the symptoms came on overnight.

People who contract COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus sweeping the globe, can experience a broad range of symptoms and have very different experiences.

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Some have no symptoms at all. By far the largest group present with fever and other symptoms. Most will get better on their own. About 15% of those infected go on to have severe illness and must be hospitalized. Another 5% become so ill they must be treated in an intensive care unit.

The most common symptoms for those who get them, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, are fever, cough, shortness of breath when they first get sick, and muscle pain or fatigue. 

Others have reported less common symptoms, including sore or scratchy throat, headache, a productive cough, and nausea or diarrhea.

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Schneider of Seattle had a front-row seat for the range of symptoms when a large group of her friends were exposed to the virus at a party on Saturday, Feb. 22. 

Schneider, 37, woke up Tuesday a little tired and groggy. She went to work but by midday began to feel as if she was coming down with a bad cold.

“I had a headache and body aches and a little fever,” she said.

She got home and took a nap. When she got up her temperature was 101. There was no cough, shortness of breath or tightness in her chest. But she kept getting sicker.

“That evening my temperature spiked up to 103 and I started shivering uncontrollably. I could barely brush my teeth and take out my contacts and go to bed,” she said.

She took over-the-counter cold medicine and went to sleep. By morning, her temperature was down to 101. She spent the next two days in bed, sleeping and drinking lots of water. She slowly got better, with only a low temperature and tiredness toward the end. But it wasn’t until 12 days later that she felt truly well, she said.  

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From ‘really sick’ to not ‘really lousy’

In Hudson, Ohio, Driscoll’s experience with the illness started out in much the same way. The 48-year-old suddenly started feeling tired and feverish March 11 at work. When she got home that night, her temperature was elevated, so she took Motrin and went to sleep.

She woke up in the middle of the night coughing, and her chest hurt.

“It was hard to get a breath in and my chest felt constricted,” Driscoll told the Akron Beacon Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. “It was like nothing I had ever quite experienced.”

She went to the hospital the next day and was immediately put in isolation. By Friday, Driscoll’s temperature was 102 and she had tested positive for COVID-19. She remained hospitalized for two days, on IV fluids, pain medications and fever reducers, before she was well enough to be sent home.

As late as March 17, nearly a week after her first symptoms, Driscoll was still exhausted and dealing with fatigue and headaches.

“I was really sick,” she said. “I was really scared there for a little while about how sick I was.”

Houser woke on March 13 with a temperature over 100 degrees, sore throat and a cough, after feeling fine when he’d gone to sleep the night before. 

He told the Kitsap Sun, part of the USA TODAY Network, that it felt similar to the flu but not as bad.

“The last time I had the flu. I felt really lousy. I haven’t felt really lousy with this,” he said.

Houser said his fever went away in short order and he experienced some body aches, but not too much. A week later he said he still had a cough and had never felt short of breath. Mostly he felt more tired than usual, and has been napping.

“It just was different,” he said when asked to compare it to a case of the flu.

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‘I was sleeping 19 hours a day’

For Noelle Ruiz, 27, it began March 10 with a 101-degree fever. She took Tylenol and rested. After about a day the fever subsided. She still had a headache and cough; she felt pressure in her sinuses but had no sniffles. Later in the week, she developed chest pain when she breathed but still didn’t think it was COVID-19.

Only six days later did the worst of the symptoms hit.

“I was sleeping 19 hours a day. I felt nauseous. When I’d get up to go to the kitchen, I’d run out of breath. It was like I was doing exercises, but I’d only walked the distance of the room,” she said from her home in Los Altos, California.

“I couldn’t really take a deep breath. I didn’t feel like I had enough air in my lungs,” she said.

Ruiz had another set of symptoms appearing in some of those infected. “I lost taste, food wasn’t appetizing, I couldn’t smell anything,” she said. 

While it’s unknown how many people infected experience a loss of sense of smell, called anosmia, or a loss of taste known as ageusia, doctors are finding the symptoms reported by some COVID-19 patients.

It was the shortness of breath that finally triggered Ruiz doctor to test her. She learned Sunday she was positive for the coronavirus. .

Ruiz is pretty sure she got it from her mother-in-law, who got sick a week before her and went on to develop pneumonia. She was admitted to the hospital, put on oxygen and recovered after a few days and is now quarantined in her apartment.

For Ruiz things never got that bad, but only now is she beginning to feel normal after almost two weeks of being sick. For her, COVID-19 wasn’t as severe as the full-on flu but did really take it out of her.

“The biggest symptoms to me were how tired I was and how much sleep I needed,” she said. “And the tightness in my chest. It was just weird that it took six days for the more COVID-like symptoms to hit me.”

Coronavirus: Loss of smell, taste may be new systems of virus

Doctors are warning that a loss of smell and taste are appearing as new symptoms of coronavirus.

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One party, a plethora of symptoms

Back in Seattle, when Schneider finally had the energy go on Facebook, she saw many of her friends who’d been at the Saturday night party and come down with the same thing. They began chatting online and wondered if they’d all gotten the coronavirus. It was early in the outbreak and there were few definitive cases.

A dozen of them formed a group on Facebook, and seven were tested. All came back positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Schneider, a bioengineer, was fascinated by the vast range of experiences they all had.

One of her friends who tested positive for the virus had no symptoms at all, but his employer’s rules required he be tested because he’d likely been exposed. Another had only a little congestion in her chest and felt a little tired, Schneider said.

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No one among the group had respiratory symptoms except in a few cases where people had a dry cough or tickle at the back of their throat toward the end of their illnesses. One had shortness of breath and body aches, headache and exhaustion, but no fever. Another came down with a low-level pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs that can be caused by infection. 

Schneider had all the symptoms save shortness of breath – high fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, nausea, diarrhea and lack of energy – and it took her about nine days to start feeling herself again.

All of her friends have recovered and no one was hospitalized, for which they’re all thankful. Schneider’s takeaway was the virus can manifest in so many ways that it’s hard to pin down.

For her, it felt like a really bad case of the flu. Others didn’t even know they had it.

“I think this virus just has the whole kit and caboodle,” she said. “It all varies depending on how bad you get it.” 

Contributing: Andrew Binion, Kitsap Sun, Jennifer Pignolet, Akron Beacon Journal.

90,000 Doctors talked about stomach problems due to the Indian strain of coronavirus

After the Indian strain of the Delta coronavirus began to spread, many Russians infected with COVID-19 began to complain of gastrointestinal upset. This was announced to TASS by the pulmonologist Alexei Nikishenkov.

“Recently, after the Delta strain began to spread, coronavirus patients are increasingly complaining of gastrointestinal upset – diarrhea, abdominal pain.This symptom was added to what was before, namely – cough, weakness, myalgia (muscle pain), ”Nikishenkov noted.

The emergence of “gastric covid” in patients infected with the Delta strain was confirmed to the agency by an immunologist Vladimir Bolibok. “For the covid that has now attacked, the Delta strain, is characterized by the so-called“ gastric syndrome ”or“ gastric covid ”. Quite often, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea are added to the already known symptoms, ”he said.

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At the same time, the virologist Viktor Larichev told TASS that all the symptoms previously manifested in patients who contracted the Wuhan strain of coronavirus remained relevant and for the Indian strain.“The symptoms are the same. With all infectious diseases, the temperature rises first of all – this is how it was and remains, ”he stressed.

The coronavirus mutated and began to “disguise” itself as a seasonal viral infection, infectious disease doctor Evgeny Timakov told RIA Novosti. According to him, now the main symptoms are a runny nose, sore throat and intestinal disorders, and the loss of smell has receded into the background. It is very difficult to distinguish coronavirus from the usual seasonal cold on your own, and often people do not assume that they have COVID-19, the doctor said.

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The Delta coronavirus strain, first discovered in India, has been recorded in at least 98 countries, the CEO said this week World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. In June, WHO officials called this strain the most powerful and fastest ever discovered, CNBC reported.Delta is one of the disease variants identified as “of concern” by the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition to it, the list includes strains “Alpha” (found in the UK), “Beta” (South Africa) and “Gamma” (Brazil).

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14 photo
90,000 Why does your stomach hurt? Different reasons for the same problem. Where to complain?

Abdominal pain is one of the most common human complaints.However, the causes of this frequent symptom are so varied and multifaceted that it will probably take a whole collection of works to fully describe them.

One of the most common reasons for patient visits is painful feelings in the abdomen. Painful sensations can manifest itself in completely different ways, given the location in the abdominal cavity of many organs such as: the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, intestines and stomach, as well as the kidneys and ovaries. Each organ is accompanied by its own painful sensations, and each of them requires individual treatment.

First of all, try to make simple manipulations to determine the location and nature of the pain. It is best to palpate while lying on your back and gently pressing your fingers on the abdomen, while determining the place with the most painful sensations. The pain can be sharp, aching, dull, squeezing, bursting. It can be aggravated by tilting, coughing, moving, and also accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, etc. All these manifestations are important for establishing a more accurate diagnosis.Analyze when the pain started and how long it took from the onset of the pain. Pay attention to whether the painful sensations were immediately dull, sharp, or mild and then intensified, and perhaps the pain changed its location. With appendicitis, for example, pain manifests itself first in the stomach area, then descending into the lower right abdomen. And if pain occurs in the navel, moving to the lower right side of the abdominal cavity, this may mean that you have an inflammation of the appendix, which usually requires surgery to remove.If you have increased sensitivity in the right lower abdomen and there is acute pain, taking into account the pain when walking, the temperature has risen, nausea or vomiting appears, an urgent visit to the doctor is required.

The appearance of painful sensations in the abdomen in the lower left side, as well as fever, chills, nausea, convulsions, vomiting and constipation can be symptoms of diverticulitis disease. This disease occurs when small, globular capsules (diverticulums) that form in the walls of the colon become infected and inflamed.Typically, treatment includes colon cleansing, liquid and bed rest, possibly pain relievers and antibiotics. In some cases, complications require surgery and hospitalization. A high fiber diet can help prevent diverticulitis.

Acute pain, usually worsening after eating food, in the right hypochondrium is a symptom of a lesion of the gallbladder, diseases of which include cholecystitis and stones. Symptoms such as: a rapid rise in body temperature, chills and jaundice indicate the appearance of complications of the disease.You should immediately consult a doctor with regular pains appearing in the right hypochondrium. It is not uncommon for some patients to have no symptoms at all, and this is with stones contained in the gallbladder.

Pain that occurs in the abdomen, accompanied by constipation or diarrhea, and subsides after a bowel movement, may indicate the presence of irritable bowel syndrome. This is a disturbance in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, in which the walls of the intestine are compressed excessively or weakly, and sometimes excessively quickly or slowly.The first symptoms of this disease are: increased gas production, bloating, slimy stools, frequent urge to empty the intestines.

A burning, sharp pain that occurs in the middle and upper abdomen may indicate an ulcer. Simply put, it is a wound in the tissues of the stomach or the upper region of the intestine. A lot of factors can affect the occurrence of an ulcer. This is smoking, the use of acetylsalicylic acid and other anti-inflammatory drugs. Likewise, an excess of potent gastric juice.

Abdominal pain in women can be a symptom of complications with the reproductive system. Soreness in the lower abdomen may indicate pelvic inflammation (infection of the ovaries or uterus, fallopian tubes). Painful manifestations in women can also occur with uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. The presence of a sharp stabbing and sharp pain in the abdomen, which is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, menstrual irregularities, can probably be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

Other painful sensations in the abdominal cavity can mean the manifestation of diseases such as: food poisoning, bladder infections, allergies, kidney stones, hernia. But also quite harmless causes of abdominal pain can be factors such as overeating or emotional distress. In any case, after the first painful symptoms appear, it is imperative to seek the help of a specialist to establish an accurate diagnosis.

We do not pretend to be encyclopedic in our Internet pages and do not seek to create an analogue of Wikipedia.We strive to be as useful as possible to our reader and provide real help.

This section of the AS Medical gastronomic center website is designed to help our visitor go in the right direction, choose the right specialization of a doctor for the first consultation, and, if necessary, provide himself with first aid. Also, such rare recommendations will be given as to where exactly you can go with complaints of abdominal pain in the city of Mariupol.

To begin with, it is necessary to systematize abdominal pain according to the characteristic features and on the questions that arise in our reader when this complaint occurs.

Abdominal pain in nature can be:

• • • persistent abdominal pain
    • paroxysmal abdominal pain
    • cramping abdominal pain
    • acute abdominal pain
    • dull abdominal pain
    • cutting pains in the abdomen

According to the area of ​​origin, it can hurt:

• • • pain throughout the abdomen
    • pain in the right hypochondrium
    • pain in the left hypochondrium
    • pain in the left side
    • pain in the right side
    • lower abdominal pain
    • pain around the navel
    • pain in the area of ​​the appendix
    • pain in the right lower abdomen
    • pain in the left lower abdomen

By time and reason of occurrence:

• • • abdominal pain at night
    • abdominal pain during the day
    • fasting abdominal pain
    • abdominal pain after eating
    • abdominal pain after alcohol
    • abdominal pain after antibiotics
    • abdominal pain in case of poisoning
    • abdominal pain with constipation
    • abdominal pain with diarrhea
    • abdominal pain during menstruation
    • abdominal pain during ovulation
    • abdominal pain during pregnancy
    • abdominal pain after childbirth
    • abdominal pain when walking
    • abdominal pain lying
    • abdominal pain after exercise

By age, stomach hurts:

• • • Newborn abdominal pain
    • abdominal pain in an infant
    • abdominal pain in a child 1-3 years old
    • abdominal pain in a child 3-6 years old
    • abdominal pain in a school-aged child
    • abdominal pain in a teenager
    • abdominal pain in an adult
    • abdominal pain in an elderly person

90,000 Side effects of therapy

How to cope?

– In order to detect neutropenia, anemia or thrombocytopenia during therapy, a clinical blood test is performed.After receiving the test results, the doctor can adjust the treatment and explain how to avoid infection.

– Before and during therapy, the patient is assigned to check the condition of the liver and kidneys. Drinking plenty of fluids is prescribed to avoid kidney damage.

– Side effects affecting the gastrointestinal tract (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in taste) can lead to loss of appetite and anorexia. A doctor will help prevent or eliminate these side effects.

– To eliminate a side effect such as peripheral neuropathy, you must inform your doctor about any of its manifestations (tingling or numbness of the hands or feet).

– Tell your doctor right away about any change in hearing or tinnitus. Most often, hearing changes are temporary.

– For timely correction, it is necessary to inform the doctor about any skin reactions, fluid retention / edema. It is also necessary to report any changes in the nail structure, arthralgia and myalgia so that the doctor can find a way to eliminate these side effects.

– Alopecia (baldness) is a reason for the disorder of many patients. Your doctor will tell you how to deal with this side effect (sometimes a cooling cap can be used to slow hair loss)

– To prevent stomatitis / inflammation of the soft tissues of the mouth, it is necessary to maintain careful oral hygiene using steroid rinses and toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Steroid toothpaste can be used to treat ulcers.In the case of more serious stomatitis (stages 2 and higher), the doctor may suggest reducing the dose, or postponing therapy until the stomatitis has passed, but in most cases the symptoms are mild and subside, so the patient can complete therapy.

– Baldness is a reason for the frustration of many patients; your doctor will tell you how to cope with this side effect. Some hospitals provide a cooling cap to slow hair loss.

– To cope with a neurological disorder, it is necessary to inform the doctor about any of its manifestations (for example, lack of reflexes, weakness in the legs and feet).