SYMPTOMS OF THE NOROVIRUS

When a person becomes infected with norovirus, the virus begins to multiply within the small intestine.

After approximately 1 to 2 days, norovirus symptoms can appear. The principal symptom is acute gastroenteritis that develops between 24 and 48 hours after exposure, and lasts for 24–60 hours. Some have mild symptoms, others quite acute. Recovery usually occurs in two to three days without serious or long-term health effects.

Usual symptoms of norovirus infections include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Headache and low-grade fever may also accompany this infection.

Severe illness is rare: although people are frequently treated at the emergency ward, they are rarely admitted to the hospital. The number of deaths from norovirus in the US is estimated to be around 300 each year, with most of these occurring in the very young, elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms may become life-threatening in these groups if dehydration is ignored or not treated.

The severe vomiting and diarrhoea caused by the norovirus can lead to dehydration (a lack of fluid in the body). Dehydration is more of a risk in the very young and the elderly. Symptoms of mild dehydration include: 

dizziness or light-headedness 

headache 

tiredness 

dry mouth, lips and eyes 

dark, concentrated urine 

passing only small amounts of urine (fewer than three or four times a day) 

When you are severely dehydrated, you may experience more extreme symptoms such as dry, wrinkled skin, an inability to urinate, a weak pulse and low level of consciousness. Mild dehydration is common and can be easily reversed by drinking lots of fluids. However, severe dehydration can lead to serious complications and be fatal in some cases. 

Posted in: NOROVIRUS SYMPTOMS