Given the misery that accompanies a bout of gastroenteritis, it’s understandable that the illness strikes dread in people. Norovirus, a group of viruses that causes gastroenteritis, led to outbreaks in various parts of the United States during and around the holiday season.
The average year brings approximately 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks throughout the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Outbreaks occur throughout the year but are most common from November to April.
Dr. Maria Rossi, a Family Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Physicians-Menasha, shares tips for weathering gastroenteritis.
“No one wants to endure a bout of gastroenteritis, but with rest and self-care measures, most people recover within a few days,” she says.
Defining Gastroenteritis
Though some people refer to gastroenteritis as “stomach flu,” it’s not related to seasonal influenza. Gastroenteritis causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Many viruses can cause gastroenteritis. Norovirus, of which there are many types, is the most common culprit. Young children also may get sick from rotavirus or adenovirus.
Highly Contagious
It’s easy to see how norovirus can lead to outbreaks. The virus spreads quickly and easily in several ways. People who have the virus can shed billions of microscopic particles, and it only takes a few particles to make others sick, according to the CDC.
Norovirus spreads in many ways, including:
- Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, such as caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food they have handled
- Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus
- Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting unwashed fingers in one’s mouth
The virus spreads easily in confined places such as day care centers, schools, nursing homes, and cruise ships. Foodborne norovirus outbreaks also can happen in restaurants. Foods often involved include fresh fruits, leafy greens, and shellfish.
Symptoms and Home Care
The most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. People also may experience headache, fever, and chills.
For most people, gastroenteritis will run its course within one to three days. Follow these home care measures:
- Get plenty of rest
- Isolate from others until symptoms resolve
- Begin rehydrating with ice chips and small sips of water
- Once vomiting stops, older kids and adults can continue to rehydrate with water or low-sugar sports drinks; babies and younger kids can have an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte
- Reintroduce food slowly, and start with bland, easily digestible options such as broth, soda crackers, bananas, rice, toast, and oats
- Avoid sugary drinks, carbonation, caffeine, and heavily seasoned foods
- Wash hands frequently and disinfect surfaces when caring for someone who is sick
- Don’t prep food for others if you’re ill
- Wait two to three days after feeling better before resuming cooking for others
When to Seek Care
In some instances, gastroenteritis can lead to dehydration. Young children, pregnant people, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at increased risk.
Signs of dehydration in adults include:
- Decreased urine output
- Dark-colored urine
- Dry skin
- Thirst
- Dizziness
Signs of dehydration in young children include:
- Dry diapers (from a lack of urination)
- Lack of tears
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Sunken fontanel (the soft spot on the top of an infant’s head)
Seek care for those experiencing signs of dehydration. If gastroenteritis symptoms persist for longer than three days, it’s also a good idea to seek care.
Prevention
To help halt the spread of the virus, follow these steps:
- Wash hands well and often using soap and water. Hand sanitizer doesn’t work well against norovirus.
- Take care when handling and prepping food. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Cook oysters and shellfish to a temperature of at least 145 degrees F.
- Regularly clean and sanitize kitchen utensils, counters, and surfaces.
“Even with the most stringent steps in place, it’s possible to come down with gastroenteritis,” Dr. Rossi says. “If you become ill, take steps to recover at home. And don’t hesitate to seek care if you think you or a loved one is experiencing dehydration or if symptoms don’t resolve within three days.”
