How noro is caught (from my doctor)

[maxwest555]

So i asked my dr how exactly one catches noro so here goes the conversation

So how exactly would i catch noro?

Very long answer for you - copied and pasted from Health Protection Agency (google it - v useful)
Dx
Norovirus - Frequently asked Questions
What are noroviruses?
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that are the most common cause of gastroenteritis (stomach bugs) in England and Wales. In the past, noroviruses have also been called ‘winter vomiting viruses’, ‘small round structured viruses’ or ‘Norwalk-like viruses’.


How does norovirus spread?
The virus is easily transmitted from one person to another. It can be transmitted by contact with an infected person; by consuming contaminated food or water or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. The infectious dose is very low, swallowing as few as 10 - 100 virus particles may be enough to cause illness.


What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Symptoms often start with the sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea. However, not all of those infected will experience all of the symptoms. Some people may also have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs.

Symptoms usually begin around 12 to 48 hours after becoming infected. The illness is self-limiting and the symptoms will last for 12 to 60 hours. Most people make a full recovery within 1-2 days, however some people (usually the very young or elderly) may become very dehydrated and require hospital treatment.


Why does norovirus often cause outbreaks?
Norovirus often causes outbreaks because it is easily spread from one person to another and the virus is able to survive in the environment for many days. There are many different strains of norovirus, immunity is short-lived and infection with one strain does not protect against infection with another strain. Outbreaks commonly occur in semi-closed environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools and on cruise ships, where people are in close contact with one another for long periods.


How can these outbreaks be stopped?
Outbreaks can be difficult to control because norovirus is easily transmitted from one person to another, its low infectious dose and because the virus can survive in the environment for lengthy periods. The most effective way to respond to an outbreak is to institute good hygiene measures such as strict adherence to hand-washing especially when handling food, after contact with infected people, and after using the toilet; disinfecting contaminated areas promptly; not allowing infected people to prepare food until 48 hours after symptoms have elapsed and isolating ill people for up to 48 hours after their symptoms have ceased.

How is norovirus treated?
There is no specific treatment for norovirus apart from letting the illness run its course. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.


If I’m suffering from norovirus, how can I prevent others from becoming infected?
Good hygiene is important in preventing others from becoming infected – this includes thorough hand washing after using the toilet. Food preparation should also be avoided until 48 hours after the symptoms have subsided.


can you get it from being close to a person or touching them?



No, it is spread by direct (ie touch) contact with infected material eg vomit or diarrhoea - which is why hand hygiene is so very important after visiting the loo for either end. If someone vomits in front of you then particles can be splashed in the air and inhaled and swallowed - one of my doctor friends in a hospital said that half the hospital was closed after a visitor vomited on entering a ward and all the staff and patients went down with it, which is why we ask people with acute diarrhoea and vomiting to not come to the surgery in person and we try to do telephone consultations with them, rather than visit. The alcohol hand wipes and gels are good for lots of bugs but hot water and soap is the best overall for hand hygiene.


can you catch norovirus from people before they have been sick/had diarrhea? so for instance if someone has been infected but aren't showing symptoms will you catch it if you touch them/anything they have been touching and then put your hands in your mouth?



No you are not likely to catch it this way.




so i just thought you might want to know (from a proffesional) how you catch it, good luck!

[socitycourty]

very interesting and sort of calming for me to read!

[maxwest555]

i'm glad you enjoyed it!

[sage]

Virtually the same info about noroviruses is also posted on this website under "Information and Research." Check it out!

[mizzy316]

thanks for this!

noro is something i worry about quite often, very assuring to read that!

[ssjj]

The bit that confuses me slightly is in how it is spread is the fact it says 'direct contact with v*. That just means touch, I thought you have to then consume it?

[sage]

Yes, you do. The virus is spread through the oral-fecal route meaning you have to ingest it. Vomitus also contains billions of viral particles, so if you stand close enough to someone who has just vomited it could be "inhaled" (meaning sucked into your nose and swallowed down your throat - not truly inhaled as in, in your lungs). You could also get some on your hands and later put your fingers in your mouth.