Norovirus is known as a small virus that’s highly contagious when spread between humans. It’s mainly acquired through ingesting material or being exposed to material that’s been contaminated by the virus during a short period of time.
About Norovirus
Most people get infected with norovirus when they ingest material that’s been contaminated by agents that harbor the virus. This usually includes small amounts of infected fluids or feces. Water and food may also harbor norovirus, if it’s contaminated through processing and/or handling.
Since this virus naturally spreads fast, it’s considered one of the most common sources of gastroenteritis or stomach flu within the United States. Norovirus commonly develops during winter months, though due to the contagious nature of the virus, it can develop and infect people during other times of the year.
Despite the stakes of its circumstances, most people typically get over the illness in as little as three days, since it typically resolves itself after being treated with medications. An interesting characteristic of the norovirus illness is the fact that it makes sufferers dehydrated by a great degree.
Due to this, people infected with the illness much stay well hydrated, namely though drinking fluids that contain electrolytes and sugars. Some people, usually those that need to remain hospitalized, may receive hydration through intravenous fluids if they can’t drink or keep fluids down.
The Incubation Period for Norovirus
The incubation period for an infection from norovirus typically take place throughout a time frame of 48 to 72 hours from the initial infection. This time usually defines the time between catching the infection and developing its associated symptoms.
Norovirus infections are also known to have a prolonged infection period. This means that the infection itself might not affect a person right after they contract the virus. When this happens, the norovirus doesn’t start affecting a person until about two days later, when they might start developing symptoms.
Naturally, people can pass on the virus to other people during this particular period. The most contagious period for people with norovirus often occurs during the time after they get over the illness, particularly spreading the virus around through their stool and other sources.
Even though people do eventually stop spreading norovirus infections, they’re not completely immune from the condition. People that eventually get better from the condition can become reinfected from another contaminated party, if they’re not careful. Despite that, most people do make a full recovery after experiencing the virus.
