Norovirus infection history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Norovirus infection usually presents as acute-onset vomiting, watery non-bloody diarrhea with abdominal cramps, and nausea. Low-grade fever also occasionally occurs, and vomiting is more common in children. Dehydration is the most common complication, especially among the young and elderly, and may require medical attention. Symptoms usually last 24 to 60 hours.
History
Norovirus infection can cause illnesses including:
- Stomach flu: This “stomach flu” is not related to the flu (or influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus.
- Viral gastroenteritis: The most common name for illness caused by norovirus. Gastroenteritis refers to an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
- Acute gastroenteritis
- Non-bacterial gastroenteritis
- Food poisoning: However, there are other causes of food poisoning.
- Calicivirus infection
Common Symptoms
Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines or both. This is called acute gastroenteritis. The most common symptoms of norovirus infection include:
Studies with volunteers given stool filtrates have shown that asymptomatic infection may occur in as many as 30% of infections, although the role of asymptomatic infection in norovirus transmission is not well understood.
Patient with norovirus illness can feel extremely ill and throw up or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days. Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Decrease in urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
- Crying with few or no tears, sleepiness, and fussiness in children
Less Common Symptoms
Other symptoms include: