Norovirus: Highly contagious virus similar to food poisoning!!

Sindujaa D N

For the last one week, a jump is being recorded in the daily cases of corona in the country. This is the first time in three months that the number of daily cases of infection in the country is crossing 4000. In the last 24 hours, 4,518 new Kovid-19 cases were registered while 2,779 people got cured. In the midst of the ongoing crisis of Corona, Norovirus, which is considered highly contagious, has also entered the country. kerala government confirmed cases of norovirus in two children. State health Minister Veena George said that the health condition of both the children is stable. There is no need to worry at the moment, but everyone should be careful.



Studies suggest that norovirus is 'highly contagious', an infection spread through contaminated water and food. Its infection can pose serious health challenges. Infection begins suddenly with severe vomiting and diarrhea, which progresses over time. In severe cases it can even cause death. Let us know in detail about this increasing threat in the country.



Know about norovirus

Norovirus, a rapidly progressing infection of the stomach and intestines, can easily spread through direct or indirect contact with an infected person. The symptoms of norovirus are similar to those of food poisoning, although it becomes necessary to identify it in time and seek treatment.




Infection begins with severe vomiting and diarrhea that progresses over time. Noroviruses are highly contagious and symptoms begin to appear within 12 to 48 hours after exposure to infection. It can increase the risk in some people, especially young children or people with other medical problems.




What are the symptoms of norovirus?

Symptoms of infection can range from mild to severe. Ignoring these can lead to dehydration due to severe diarrhea, which increases the risk of developing the problem. people should also be alert about these signs of norovirus.


Frequent nausea and vomiting.

mild fever - chills

headache and body aches

Weakness and fatigue.

In general, such symptoms can also occur in problems like food-poisoning due to high heat, so it becomes necessary to differentiate between the two.




Difference between stomach upset and norovirus in summer

Stomach problems such as vomiting and diarrhea are considered quite common in the summer, most of the symptoms of food poisoning during this time can be similar to norovirus. In such a situation, it becomes necessary to differentiate between these two problems in time.



Food poisoning, caused by food contaminated with bacteria or toxins, is not contagious, while norovirus spreads rapidly from one to another. Similarly, it is important to differentiate between rotavirus and norovirus, which cause common vomiting and diarrhea. The major difference is that norovirus is more common in adults, while rotavirus affects infants and young children more.




Norovirus treatment and prevention

There is no specific medicine for norovirus. It is a bacterial infection, so its symptoms can be reduced with the help of antibiotics. There is no vaccine to protect against norovirus, so there are a few things to keep in mind to reduce the risk of transmission.


  • Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet.
  • Keep safety in mind when caring for a sick person.
  • Use a disinfectant or chlorine bleach solution on contaminated surdata-faces.
  • Wash your hands before preparing or eating food.
  • Wash and clean all products before cutting or eating them.
  • Do not eat raw or undercooked food.
  • If the problem of diarrhea and vomiting is seen increasing, then go to the doctor immediately.

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