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You may have been hearing quite a bit about norovirus in recent months, especially if you live in NYC and the surrounding areas. You probably know someone who has had norovirus, if you or your little ones haven’t had it yourselves. Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gastroenteritis have been prevalent, affecting individuals across various age groups and in different settings. Particularly notable is the impact on the pediatric population, with children contracting the virus in schools and daycares.

Generally, norovirus is not dangerous, symptoms improve within a few days, and there is sometimes little we can do to prevent contracting it. But, the acute symptoms can be highly unpleasant for children and their family members, and we want to arm you with the very best information so you can stay safe and comfortable. Thankfully, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize your child’s risk of contracting norovirus. To provide guidance on prevention and management strategies, we sat down with Dr. Mohamed Elzalata from our Midland Beach office, who answers some of our most frequently-asked questions.

What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. It can affect anyone regardless of age or immunization status. Individuals do not contract the same strain of norovirus twice. We often see upticks in cases when a new strain of the virus emerges through viral mutation.

How does norovirus differ from a regular stomach flu or bug?
Norovirus is a “stomach flu” or “bug,” but these are also broad, generic terms used for various gastrointestinal illnesses with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort, caused by different pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Noroviruses specifically, are a group of highly contagious viruses causing gastroenteritis. The symptoms and characteristics of norovirus are similar, if not the same as a stomach bug caused by any one of these other pathogens.

How is norovirus spread?
Norovirus is primarily spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. It is not airborne, and transmission occurs when individuals ingest the virus through these contaminated sources.

What are the symptoms of norovirus?
The symptoms of norovirus typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes low-grade fever. These symptoms often appear suddenly and can be severe, lasting for a few days. In some cases, individuals may also experience headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. It’s important to note that symptoms can vary in severity from person to person.

How long does norovirus typically last?
Symptoms of norovirus usually peak within three to five days of contracting the virus, with the viral load decreasing after two days. However, in rare cases, individuals may remain contagious for up to one or two weeks after symptoms have stopped.

How can you prevent children or the whole family from contracting norovirus?
Practicing good hygiene, such as thorough handwashing with soap and water, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces around the home can help prevent the spread of norovirus. Additionally, individuals who are exhibiting acute symptoms should refrain from preparing food until at least two days after their symptoms have subsided.

What is the treatment for norovirus?
There is no specific medication to kill norovirus, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing the main complication of the virus, which is dehydration. Drinking plenty of fluids, including sports drinks without caffeine or alcohol is recommended for mild dehydration. In younger age groups, and for severe dehydration, over-the-counter fluid replacements should be used, such as Pedialyte, or a generic alternative. In severe cases, hospitalization and IV fluid treatment may be necessary.

It’s recommended for individuals experiencing vomiting and diarrhea to prioritize fluid intake. Gradually reintroduce food in small, but frequent amounts, and avoid fatty, oily, or heavy foods such as junk food, large protein loads, as these may exacerbate symptoms. Instead, opt for bland options like plain pasta, rice, or crackers until symptoms subside.

What are the signs to look out for of mild vs. severe dehydration due to a stomach virus?
The signs of mild dehydration include symptoms such as continuous vomiting and diarrhea. However, as long as individuals are generally able to keep fluids down, they may avoid worsening dehydration. On the other hand, severe dehydration may present with symptoms such as lethargy, hypoactivity, sunken eyes, and absence of tears when crying.

Complications of severe dehydration can be serious. If you are worried about dehydration, call your doctor immediately.

Are there tests available to confirm norovirus infection?
Testing for norovirus is typically not necessary, as the management remains the same for any viral gastroenteritis. Diagnosis most often based on symptoms and medical history rather than specific lab tests.

What precautions should be taken for infants and breastfeeding mothers regarding norovirus?
Infants are generally less likely to contract norovirus than toddlers, teens, and young adults, however infants are at a much higher risk of dehydration from norovirus, so immediate medical attention is recommended if an infant is experiencing uncontrolled diarrhea. Breastfeeding mothers with symptoms can continue nursing and maintain good hand hygiene. Pumping is also acceptable. When possible, caregivers who are not sick should step in and help with care.