Norovirus Infection (cont.)
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.
What treatment is available for people with norovirus infection?
Currently, there is no antiviral medication that works against norovirus and
there is no vaccine to prevent infection. Norovirus infection cannot be treated
with antibiotics. This is because antibiotics work to fight bacteria and not
viruses.
Norovirus illness is usually brief in healthy individuals. When people are
ill with vomiting and diarrhea, they should drink plenty of fluids to prevent
dehydration. Dehydration among young children, the elderly, the sick, can be
common, and it is the most serious health effect that can result from norovirus
infection. By drinking oral rehydration fluids (ORF), juice, or water, people
can reduce their chance of becoming dehydrated. Sports drinks do not replace the
nutrients and minerals lost during this illness.
Can norovirus infection be prevented?
Yes. You can decrease your chance of coming in contact with noroviruses by following these preventive steps:
- Frequently wash your hands, especially after toilet visits and changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.
- Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
- Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).
- Flush or discard any vomitus and/or stool in the
toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.
Persons who are infected with norovirus should not prepare food while they
have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness (see food
handler information sheet). Food that may have been contaminated by an ill
person should be disposed of properly.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Last Editorial Review: 2/26/2008
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