It ’s exceedingly contagious , makes you palpate awful , and it ’s on the increment . We ’re talking aboutnorovirus , the “ winter regurgitation bug ” . typesetter’s case of the virus have been rising in recent week , in both theUSand theUK . But what on the button is it – and , more importantly , how can you minimize your probability of catching it ?
What is norovirus?
Noroviruses are a group of non - enclose , single - stranded RNA viruses . There are48 have sex genotypesof norovirus , part into 10 broad mathematical group , but the one that most commonly causes disease is the GII.4 genotype .
Although you may grow some immunity after transmission , this may not protect you from other types of the computer virus , and it ’s also not knownhow long immunity last . Because of this , and because there are so many unlike types of this virus in circulation , multiple infections are potential – we hate to be the bearers of bad news , but on ordinary people will compress the diseasefive timesduring their lifetime .
There ’s no vaccine for norovirus , butresearchinto this is continuing since theWorld Health Organizationdeemed it a gamey priority in 2016 . For now , if you are inauspicious enough to arrive down with an infection , there ’s not a deal you could do other than ride it out .
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Norovirus causesacute gastroenteritis . The most rough-cut symptoms are looseness of the bowels and regurgitation , which can be knockout . Some people may also receive other symptoms , such as a febrility or headache . You often hear norovirus advert to as the “ tum flu ” , but it ’s actually not related to the grippe virus at all .
Symptoms unremarkably set forth 12 - 48 hours after photo , and thankfully they typically only last between one and three days . However , during that time , it ’s dependable to say that it can make you find middling darn awful .
For most people , there are no serious risks of complications from norovirus . However , it is important to watch out fordehydration , particularly in children and the elderly . It ’s important to drink plenty of fluids while the illness runs its course .
How do you prevent it?
Norovirus is extremely infective – just a few viral particles are enough to start the disease on . you may catch it through close contact with someone who is infected , as well as from polluted surfaces and food . People are most infectious when they have symptoms and in the first few days afterward , but there ’s some grounds to intimate that you cancontinue to scatter the virusfor a couple of weeks after recovery .
The best way to prevent the bed cover of the disease is by practicing good hygiene . Unfortunately , all of thatalcohol hand sanitizeryou stocked up on during the COVID-19 pandemic is not much use against this particular virus , so good old soap and water is your expert wager . You should wash your hands thoroughly ( we ’ve hada lot of practiceat that by now ! ) and often .
Surfaces should be cleaned with a blanching agent - base solution – do n’t forget the less obvious ones , like room access handles . Any clothes or bedsheets that could be contaminated should be wash at 60 ° C ( 140 ° degree Fahrenheit ) .
If you do get disgusted , you should stay home until you have been symptom - complimentary for 48 hour . That goes for minor , too – they should be kept away from school day or kindergarten until they ’re 48 hours in the well-defined . You should also not chat people in hospitals or care homes during this clock time – norovirus outbreaks are amajor problemin these scope . You should also annul preparing food for thought for anyone else until you have recovered .
The unfortunate true statement is that if you do catch norovirus , you ’re in for a rough twain of days . But hopefully , by follow this advice , you might just be able to dodge it – or at least strain and make certain the chain of mountains of transmittal stops with you .
All “ explainer ” articles are sustain by fact checkers to be right at time of publishing . textual matter , images , and tie may be edit , bump off , or add up to at a recent date to keep information current .
