Question 1

what exactly is norovirus?

Accepted Answer

Stomach bug: Noro virus is frequently involved as a causative agent in the  outbreak of gastroenteritis in a community, cruise ship, or daycare center.

Question 2

what is the norovirus natural habitat or host? how does it start up an outbreak? where does it go when outbreaks die down?

Accepted Answer

Norovirus: Norovirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis. Person to person transmission is the most common route, although it can also be transmitted from bad food or water.  it is often passed by being in the same room as someone who vomits.  Since it is passed fromperson to person, an outbreak never "dies down" completely. Contaminated shellfish and salad are the most common infected foods.

Question 3

i've had stomach spasms for three days, coupled on with no appetite and diarrhea. i haven't thrown up, so i doubted it was a norovirus. what is it?

Accepted Answer

Gastroenteritis: Although norovirus is the most common viral cause of gastroenteritis, there are several other common ones. In addition you may have eaten something which upset your stomach (there are several types of food "poisonings". Have no way of knowing what you have specifically but suspect it will clear up in next day or two and you will be fine.

Question 4

its been a bit over 24 hours since i may have been exposed to norovirus. is it likely that i would have already been experiencing symptoms? i was wearing a kn95 mask when i may have been exposed?

Accepted Answer

: The average incubation period for norovirus-associated gastroenteritis is 12 to 48 hours, with a median period of approximately 33 hours. Mask would not prevent norovirus as it is not airborne. It is spread through contact with the virus. You need to wash your hands with soap and water to avoid contacting the virus.
For info: https://www.cdc.gov/hai/pdfs/norovirus/229110-anorocasefactsheet508.pdf

Question 5

what causes the norovirus?

Accepted Answer

Transmission: Noroviruses  are in the Caliciviridae family of viruses &amp; cause the most acute gastroenteritis in the US. Per Foodsafety.gov: “People who are infected can spread it directly to other people, or can contaminate food or drinks they prepare for other people. The virus can also survive on surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus or be spread through contact with an infected  person.

Question 6

is the norovirus airborne?

Accepted Answer

Mode of transmission: It could be from the droplets of the vomit of the other person. Can also be transmitted through contaminated food and utensils.

Question 7

anything to help with norovirus?

Accepted Answer

Well hydrated: Norovirus often causes outbreak of gastroenteritis and dehydration ensues as a result.  Small frequent sips of electrolyte solution such as pedialyte is the first thing to do.   If oral rehydration fails, IV hydration will be required.

Question 8

can you get norovirus more than once?

Accepted Answer

For sure.: Wash your hands-often.

Question 9

is norovirus usually accompanied by pain?

Accepted Answer

Norovirus: Can cause abdominal cramps, some people even get muscle and joint pain and even headache, especially when feverish

Question 10

how long can norovirus live outside a human?

Accepted Answer

NoroV Contagion: Whereas the symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after ingesting the virus, there is no evidence that sick persons can become long-term carriers of the virus, but the virus can be in the stool and vomit of infected persons, from the day they start to feel ill to as long as 2 weeks after they feel better." http://www.Health.State.Mn.Us/divs/idepc/diseases/norovirus/basics.Html#duration.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What is norovirus

A member asked:

What exactly is norovirus?

A member asked:

What is the norovirus natural habitat or host? how does it start up an outbreak? where does it go when outbreaks die down?

A member asked:

I've had stomach spasms for three days, coupled on with no appetite and diarrhea. i haven't thrown up, so i doubted it was a norovirus. what is it?

A member asked:

Its been a bit over 24 hours since i may have been exposed to norovirus. is it likely that i would have already been experiencing symptoms? i was wearing a kn95 mask when i may have been exposed?

A member asked:

What causes the norovirus?

A member asked:

Is the norovirus airborne?

A member asked:

Anything to help with norovirus?

A member asked:

Can you get norovirus more than once?

A member asked:

Is norovirus usually accompanied by pain?

A member asked:

How long can norovirus live outside a human?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?