Question 1

how do i know if i have norovirus or the start of the stomach flu or something?

Accepted Answer

Sxs: The symptoms of stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis) can include: nausea, vomiting, headache, watery bowel movements (not bloody), abdominal cramps and a low fever.

Question 2

i just had a 36 hour bout of stomach flu, i guess norovirus. after 2 days my wife is showing the same symptoms, is it possible for me to get it again?

Accepted Answer

Gastroenteritis: If you had a viral gastroenteritis that was passed to your wife, it would be unlikely that you would get that exact strain of virus again.

Question 3

what are the symptoms that your child has the flu and not the rotavirus or norovirus?

Accepted Answer

Several: Rotavirus and norovirus infections are generally limited to the GI tract.  Although influenza may also produce GI symptoms, the upper and occasionally lower respiratory tract symptoms, degree of fever, generalized muscle aches and degree of malaise are far more than one could reasonably expect from the first two viruses.

Question 4

can you prevent getting the stomach flu if you have already been exposed to norovirus?

Accepted Answer

No: Stomach flu is usually a layman term for viral enteritis, which may be because of multiple other viruses other than norovirus. 
Norovirus does not even provide full immunity against itself.

Question 5

do disinfectant wipes kill flu and norovirus germs .  if not is there something that does work on surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Majority of disinfectant wipes if you look at the label should clarify percentage of germs kills.  Most viruses do not linger around surfaces that long, though I am aware that norovirus can linger on fomites.  But disinfectant wipes should eliminate surface contaminants as changes in ph or chemical agents affect the viability of viruses as well as other organisms.

Question 6

every yr just like the seasonal flu, the seasonal "stomach bug" goes around.is that caused by norovirus? also why after all this time there's no vax??

Accepted Answer

Vaccines: Noroviruses &amp; Rotavirus cause many cases of gastroenteritis.  RotaTeq® (RV5)  &amp; Rotarix® (RV1) are rotavirus vaccines that are administered to infants.
Viruses are constantly changing genetically &amp; there are a number of possible viruses that could cause viral gastroenteritis. This makes vaccinating difficult.

Question 7

can you get night sweats with norovirus or the stomach flu ??

Accepted Answer

It can happen: Night sweats are just sweats at night, and day sweats are sweats in the daytime. That means any person with a febrile illness can have fever, chills, and sweats... day or night. His primary care doctor can check to see if he has one of the common illnesses that cause fevers. If getting fevers, a patient can get chills and sweats. If the Dr. doesn't see a common illness, he can investigate further.

Question 8

yesterday i woke up with diarrhoea and painful stomach cramps. throughout the day, i developed muscle aches all over (flu-like) and went quite dizzy. could it be the norovirus? my symptoms have improved today (no longer achey or dizzy).

Accepted Answer

Sounds like sugar: Sugar in the diet is a common cause of this kind of ill health. If it applies to you, stop taking sugar in all its forms and get a multivitamin

Question 9

had flu shot in fall.  bad sinus headache / irritable and nausea loose stool & was exposed thursday to norovirus? can i have mild case?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Flu season is all but over so it is unlikely that you are suffering from the flu. There a host of other viruses that could cause similar symptoms unrelated to the flu. If you are concerned see your doctor within 48 hours of symptoms so that you can receive appropriate flu treatment. Best treatment is time and symptomatic management.

Question 10

what is the stomach flu feel like?

Accepted Answer

Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, is no fun!  vomiting and diarrhea are the hallmark.  Some have fever, too.  Clear liquids with calories, electrolytes are best to avoid dehydration.  Start with small sips every 10", advance as tolerated.  Avoid spicy, greasy foods and dairy.  A bland brat diet is a good place to start.  (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).

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Doctor answers about:

Flu vs norovirus

A member asked:

How do i know if i have norovirus or the start of the stomach flu or something?

A member asked:

I just had a 36 hour bout of stomach flu, i guess norovirus. after 2 days my wife is showing the same symptoms, is it possible for me to get it again?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms that your child has the flu and not the rotavirus or norovirus?

A member asked:

Can you prevent getting the stomach flu if you have already been exposed to norovirus?

A member asked:

Do disinfectant wipes kill flu and norovirus germs . if not is there something that does work on surfaces?

A member asked:

Every yr just like the seasonal flu, the seasonal "stomach bug" goes around.is that caused by norovirus? also why after all this time there's no vax??

A member asked:

Can you get night sweats with norovirus or the stomach flu ??

A member asked:

Yesterday i woke up with diarrhoea and painful stomach cramps. throughout the day, i developed muscle aches all over (flu-like) and went quite dizzy. could it be the norovirus? my symptoms have improved today (no longer achey or dizzy).

A member asked:

Had flu shot in fall. bad sinus headache / irritable and nausea loose stool & was exposed thursday to norovirus? can i have mild case?

A member asked:

What is the stomach flu feel like?

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