Norovirus is on the rise across the United States, including in Colorado, and health experts are urging people to take precautions to prevent the spread of the highly contagious stomach virus.
To help the Metropolitan State University of Denver community stay informed and healthy, the Early Bird spoke with Ruben Zorrilla, M.D., medical director at the Health Center at Auraria, to answer common questions about norovirus and share tips for prevention and recovery.
Q: What is norovirus, and how does it differ from the flu?
A: Norovirus is a highly contagious viral illness that causes acute gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It’s often called the “stomach flu” or “stomach bug,” but it is not related to influenza. Flu is caused by the influenza virus, which primarily affects the respiratory system. Norovirus, on the other hand, leads to gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
Sometimes referred to as the “cruise bug,” norovirus is notorious for causing outbreaks in places with close quarters, such as cruise ships, schools and offices.
Q: How does norovirus spread, and why does it seem so prevalent right now?
A: It is most commonly spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or drinks, touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth, caring for a sick person or breathing in aerosolized particles.
Norovirus is seasonal and very common; January is the middle of its season. One of the reasons we’re seeing a rise in cases is due to increased indoor gatherings during the winter months. People are spending more time together indoors, which creates an ideal environment for the virus to spread.
Q: How can I tell if I have norovirus and not another illness like the flu or Covid-19?
A: Norovirus symptoms develop rapidly, typically within 12 to 48 hours after exposure. The primary symptoms include nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Secondary symptoms may include mild fever, muscle aches, fatigue and headache.
To differentiate norovirus from other illnesses, look at the symptom pattern and timing. For example:
- Food poisoning: a slightly longer incubation period (often 24 to 36 hours), higher fever and bloody stool.
- Flu: Respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, congestion) dominate along with body aches. A short incubation period of one to two days with exposure.
- Covid-19: Mostly respiratory symptoms and systemic effects; GI symptoms are less common but possible. The incubation period is three to five days after exposure.
- Other gastrointestinal bugs: Rotavirus and adenovirus tend to last longer but are milder in adults.
Testing stool samples can confirm norovirus but is rarely necessary since the illness often resolves before results are available.
Q: What should I do if I get norovirus?
A: There is no specific treatment for norovirus, but symptoms can be managed with:
- Hydration: Drink fluids with electrolytes, such as sports drinks or broth, to prevent dehydration.
- Rest: Allow your body time to recover.
- Diet: Start with bland foods, such as bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, and gradually reintroduce normal foods.
- Medications: Anti-nausea or antidiarrheal medications may help but should be taken under medical guidance.
Seek medical care if you experience symptoms of severe dehydration like dizziness, dry mouth or decreased urination. Hospitalization for IV fluids may be required in severe cases.
Q: If someone in my household or workplace has norovirus, how can I protect myself?
A: Preventing the spread of norovirus requires strict hygiene and cleaning measures, including:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water. Hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus.
- Wearing a mask when caring for someone who is sick, especially when cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.
- Avoiding sharing items such as utensils, towels and personal items.
- Disinfecting surfaces with bleach-based cleaners, such as Clorox wipes, as alcohol-based sanitizers are not sufficient.
- Washing contaminated laundry in hot water with detergent and drying on high heat.
Q: How long am I contagious after recovering from norovirus?
A: You’re still contagious for up to two to three days after symptoms resolve. It’s essential to continue practicing good hygiene even after you feel better to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Q: What’s the best way to clean my house or workspace after recovering from norovirus?
A: Please be a nice human and disinfect your area. Here are some tips:
- Use a bleach solution to disinfect hard surfaces, including kitchen counters, doorknobs and bathroom fixtures.
- Launder clothing and bedding in hot water with detergent and dry on high heat.
- Wipe down shared workspaces, including keyboards, phones and desks, with disinfecting wipes.
For more information on norovirus prevention and management, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website or contact the Health Center at Auraria for guidance.