Norovirus can attack anyone, including children. So what you should know about norovirus infections in children? Here are pieces of helpful information for you. Read also about norovirus and pregnancy and incubation period of the infection!
These infections can give a significant impact for the health of the body. Even around more than half of food-borne diseases is caused by noroviruses – according the estimation calculation from CDC. They are the 2nd most common cause of diarrhea in kids and the 1st most common cause in adults.
The definition of noroviuses - What actually are they?
Well, they are a group of viruses that can lead to (gastroenteritis) large intestine lining & inflammation of the stomach! Based to the history, it is also familiar known as ‘Norwalk virus’ (originally called name) that indicates the first confirmed outbreak for the location (Norwalk, Ohio) in 1972. They are believed as the major cause of gastroenteritis, particularly in the U.S.
Most of the infections are usually started through the contaminated foods or water; therefore these infections are often referred to food poisoning, even sometimes some people call these infections ‘stomach flu’!
Common symptoms of norovirus infection
The common signs of somebody who get the infection are stomach cramps, in adults they often have water diarrhea, in children they often get vomiting, nausea, fatigue, muscle aches, chills, headache, and fever with low-grade level!
Two serious symptoms that can cause serious health problems are vomiting and diarrhea, because they can cause the liquid depletion for the body that eventually will cause the body become dehydrated (read also helpful tips how to stay hydrated better)! And this dehydration problem is most susceptible in the elderly and children, which usually also accompanied by malnutrition problems.
In addition, in a few cases, some individuals who have infection don’t have any symptoms.
Causes of the norovirus infections
Like mentioned before, there are some factors that can cause infections with noroviruses!
- The contaminated water or food with the virus, and you drink or eat them.
- You touch a certain contaminated object (like the floor that has been infected with norovirus) and then you touch with your hands to your eyes, mouth or nose.
- The virus also can be transferred from person to person, especially through utensils or food, and any close contacts like shaking hands with an individual who has been infected.
Don’t forget also to read more detailed information about symptoms and causes of norovirus infection!
Simple norovirus prevention tips
It is not easy to kill noroviruses because the extreme or high temperature is not enough to kill them. But by keeping your environment clean (especially in your house, like toilet, bathroom, kitchen, etc) and don’t forget to keep clean your hands will be helpful enough to lower your risk from the infection.
Below are more helpful tips to protect yourself and children from the infection with norovirus:
- It is so important to keep the cleanliness of the hands. Therefore, wash the hands with an alchohol-based sanitizer if necessary or you can also use soap for at least 15-20 seconds! Do this step particularly after changing a baby’s diaper or going to your bathroom. Don’t forget to do this procedure before and after preparing or eating food!
- Be aware when disposing of any contaminated items, like dirty diapers.
- Be aware to any food (vegetables, fruits, etc) that you want to eat. Make sure you wash them properly before eating them! Shellfish or oyster also must be properly cooked first before you eat them.
- Use a mixture detergent to clean the surfaces after someone is sick! Use also chlorine bleach if necessary to disinfect surfaces.
- Avoid consuming any food that has been cooked or prepared by somebody else who is sick.
- If you get the infection, you should avoid preparing any food on your own!
How about with norovirus treatment?
What you should know about the treatment for norovirus?
- The use of antibiotics is not effective for the treatment, because basically antibiotics are purposed to kill bacteria, not virus!
- So what you should do? If you have some heavy symptoms you may need to see your doctor. In a healthy body, the infection should go on its own within around 2-5 days or a couple of days. Moreover, there are not long-term problems that are caused by the infection after you feel better – in most cases.
- Like mentioned before, one of serious problems is dehydration. If you get it, ensure you get adequate intake of liquid for your body, particularly juices and water. For kids or children, Pedialyte (a kind of oral rehydration solution) may be effective and helpful enough to replace lost electrolytes and fluids.
- Avoid consuming caffeinated beverages, alcohol drinks, or sugary drinks because they can make the dehydration and diarrhea worse!
In addition, some common symptoms of dehydration are dry mouth, depletion in urination and dizziness while standing. Don’t forget to contact your doctor for more detailed information!
-- Image credit to ‘shutterstock’ for illustration
