Although viruses are common, one of the most dangerous ones that exist is Norovirus. Norovirus is actually a group of viruses that result in the inflammation of stomach or intestines, or both in some cases. Once thought to be contained in certain raw items, further research shows Norovirus is available in many forms, so heeding caution before taking risky ventures that associate with Noroviruses.
How It Occurs
The name “Norovirus” has been used since its origins in 1972, from its first outbreak in Norwalk, Ohio. At first considered to be exclusively food contamination, further studies have shown Norovirus don’t just relate to foodborne illnesses. Noroviruses are often mistaken as “stomach viruses” even though they don’t relate to the influenza virus. Noroviruses form in many ways, the most prevalent being in contaminated waters and uncooked foods.
The most common hotspots for Noroviruses to spread are within highly populated, packed areas, typically cruise ships and traveling boats. Symptoms of Noroviruses are simple to stomach flus, with diarrhea, vomiting, and constant nausea common symptoms of Noroviruses. Other milder symptoms are chills, irregular body temperatures, and constant fatigue. While these symptoms by themselves aren’t typically dangerous to a person’s health, constant vomiting and diarrhea can create dehydrated factors that have affected mainly younger children and elderly people. Treating Noroviruses can be tricky, as since it’s a viral infection, no antibiotics can treat it like they treat bacterial infections.
Most people don’t have any lasting effects from Noroviruses, so the virus should eliminate itself with time, the most common dissipated times being between 1-3 days. The main worry in dealing with Noroviruses is dehydration, so as long as care is taken to consume a healthy amount of water into the body, people should be okay in dealing with the somewhat nasty virus called Norovirus.
Contagious Factors
Noroviruses are very contagious, meaning they are transmittable with almost ease. The most common methods of spreading is sharing items, such as touching of items that are infected with the virus, and then placing fingers near orpheus like ears, eyes, or mouths. Although taking vacations can be fun, take caution on traveling to any foreign place, especially on paying close attention on how food is prepared and cooked to save yourself from illness. Many countries have unfiltered water, so make sure to order all items that are importing from the U.S., or drinks that aren’t solely from water sources. Also try to stay away from packed and tight cruise ships which are notorious for containing breakouts like viruses.
