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KNOW THE NOROVIRUS

KNOW about *NO*ROVIRUS

  • Norovirus aka the stomach flu or stomach bug.
  • It causes gastro- intestinal diseases.
  • It has 25 different strains that affect humans.
  • This virus has been classified into 5 groups based on variations in viral proteins.


Global Trends / Statistics on NOROVIRUS

• 1 out of every 5 cases of acute gastroenteritis is caused by Norovirus

• Annual Cases of Norovirus - 685 million out of which 200 million are in children under 5 yrs. of age, leading to an estimated 50,000 child deaths every year

• It is more common in winters.

• Norovirus ranks -

1) #1 in food borne illness

2) #4 of food borne deaths

3) #5 cause of food borne Disability Adjusted life years.


First Signs & Symptoms of Norovirus

  • Vomiting, Diarrhoea, stomach ache and cramping.
  • General symptoms including Low grade fever, chills, headache and muscle ache.
  • Symptoms usually occur 1 or 2 days after the ingestion of virus


How does NOROVIRUS spread?

Norovirus is contagious and spreads through fomites. Coughing and sneezing by infected people can spread the virus through the air. Eating contaminated food/drinking contaminated water can result in the infection of the same.


How does Norovirus affect the GI tract?

The viruses alter the lining of the intestine, causing the leakage of the fluid in the cells leading to diarrhoea and ultimately to gastroenteritis.


Is Norovirus fatal?

Generally it isn't life threatening, infact it gets removed up by the immune system within a couple of days. However it can cause complications in older adults, children and people with compromised immune system.


How to Diagnose and Treat NOROVIRUS PATIENTS

  • Diagnosis is generally done through a stool sample examination.
  • As for the treatment, nothing specific is required, but immunity boosters play important role. In cases of dehydration - ORS (Oral Rehydrating Solution) is recommended.
  • Smaller and bland meals like yogurt, banana, soup, boiled vegetables, rice etc. can limit vomiting.
  • There are currently no licensed vaccines for Noroviruses, although a few are in the developing stages.

-Ammarah Rizwan

Hey, thanks for reading this article and please explore the blog for more information over health and wellness.

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Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 21, 2021 at 7:24 PM

    Thankyou Doctor.Very informative article. Post such kind of blog that help people gain awareness..Can you throw light on dengue , malaria and chikengunya viruses.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownNovember 21, 2021 at 9:23 PM

    Thanks Dr Ammarah for sharing such important information on Norovirus .May Allah bless you and give success in your field .

    ReplyDelete

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