Norovirus: Symptoms, Prevention, and When to See a Doctor | NGPG

When winter rolls around, many people worry about colds and the flu. But theres another highly contagious illness to watch out for: Norovirus. Itsoften called the stomach bugor stomach virusandcan cause sudden and intense stomach symptoms.It can spread pretty quickly and easily, so heres what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.

Norovirus is a viral infection that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines, leading tothingslike vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Its often called the winter stomach bug because it tends to spread more during colder months when people gather indoors.

Norovirus spreads very easily and can survive on surfaces for days.It can spread through direct contactwith someone who is infected, bytouching contaminated surfacesand then touching your mouthand byeating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Even a tiny amount of the virus can cause an infection, and people are most contagious when they have symptoms and for a few days after they recover.

Norovirus symptoms usually appear within 12 to 48 hours after exposure.Theycan come on quickly,beprettysevereand last one to threedaysin duration.

Theres no cure for Norovirus. Althoughit can be uncomfortable, the virus usually clears up on its own in healthy individuals.You can manage symptoms and stay comfortable with these tips:

Becausethe stomach bugis so contagious,its important to take preventive steps. Heres how you can help protect yourself and others:

Most cases of Norovirus resolve on their own within a few days, but its important to watch for signs of dehydration or other complications.If you experience severe dehydration with dry mouth and dizziness, persistent vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, fever over102For blood in your stool or vomit, call your doctor right away.

Although all of these are possible complications, dehydration is the main risk with Norovirus, especially for young children, older adultsand people with weakened immune systems, so its essential to stay hydrated and seek help if symptoms worsen.

Norovirus is a highly contagious winter stomach bug that can lead to severe stomach symptoms. By knowing the symptoms, practicing good hygieneand taking precautions when someone in your household is sick, you can reduce your chances of catching or spreading Norovirus.

Remember, if symptoms are severe or persist,its time to see your healthcare provider.If you dont have a doctor and would like toschedule an appointment, you can do so online with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group. NGPG has a wide range of primary care doctors accepting new patients many of them within seven days or some as soon as next day.

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Norovirus: Symptoms, Prevention, and When to See a Doctor | NGPG