Can you get norwalk twice

Soap and water can wash it away, but it takes really hot water to kill it. Just like influenza, norovirus is still being produced in your body after you get over symptoms from a bout. Norovirus spreads via the fecal-oral route , so if people do not wash their hands very carefully after they have recovered from a bout of norovirus, they can spread it to others.

Because it spreads even after people feel better, patients can and do go back out into the world while they are still infectious. Food handlers, dishwashers, even staff who bus and clear tables, all can spread the germ. In , nine soccer players all got sick from a plastic shopping bag that got norovirus splashed on it. The makes norovirus the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis — stomach upset — in the United States. Noroviruses are difficult to kill off because they can withstand hot and cold temperatures and most disinfectants.

For most people, norovirus infection usually clears up within a few days and isn't life-threatening. But in some people — especially children, older adults and people with compromised immune systems — norovirus infection can cause dehydration. Norovirus infection can cause severe dehydration, malnutrition and even death, especially in people who are older or immunocompromised, or in women who are pregnant.

Children who are dehydrated might cry with few or no tears. They might be unusually sleepy or fussy. Norovirus infection is highly contagious, and anyone can become infected more than once.

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We do not accept advertising on this page. For more details on how we produce our content and its sources, visit the About our health information section. Dr Luke James. Who can get norovirus? How could I catch norovirus? What are norovirus symptoms? Symptoms tend to come on suddenly, with the most common being: nausea this may be the only symptom in mild cases projectile vomiting watery diarrhoea Tummy cramps are also common and in some cases it can cause fever. How long does norovirus last?

Is there a treatment for norovirus? What should I do if I catch norovirus? Stay at home. This will also reduce the risk of spreading it to others. Drink enough fluids. The best thing you can do is drink water regularly.

Take frequent, small sips of water. You can buy rehydration solutions over the counter from your pharmacy. This is a powder that is made up into a solution by adding water. It contains the right balance of sugars and salts for your body to encourage rehydration. Don't even unwrap a piece of candy or gum without first washing your hands.

Inability to retain sufficient fluids is the most critical concern, especially with young children. Monitor fluid intake and output, and seek immediate medical care to prevent complications from dehydration. Skip to main content. Home Current Page. What is gastroenteritis? What is norovirus? How serious is norovirus disease? How is norovirus spread? People can become infected with the virus in several ways, including: Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, Touching an object, such as a door knob or keyboard, which is contaminated with norovirus, then placing a hand to mouth, Having direct contact with another person who is infected and shows symptoms, for example, sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill.

Because the amount of virus that can cause illness is so small, it is important to reduce the risk of spreading this virus by using appropriate cleaning measures: Using a 1-to chlorine bleach solution on hard surfaces, especially kitchens and bathrooms, Steam cleaning carpet or upholstery that has been contaminated by feces or vomit from an ill person, Not transporting soiled linens, bed clothing or other garments through a food preparation area unless they are bagged.

How contagious is norovirus? Can I get infected with norovirus more than once? What steps can I take to reduce my risk? When should I seek help? Wash your hands carefully with soap and water Especially after using the toilet and changing diapers, and always before eating, preparing, or handling food.