In the spring, the temperature is warm and cold, and it is the peak season for infectious diseases. Since the beginning of the school year, individual schools in Yinchuan City have experienced cases of students vomiting caused by Norovirus infection, affecting the health of teachers and students, and disrupting the normal life and teaching order of schools. Although Norovirus infection is classified as a Class C infectious disease in China, it is aggressive and extremely harmful. According to statistics, millions of people are infected with Norovirus every year, with a detection rate of about 15% among children under 5 years old with diarrhea in China. What is Norovirus? What are the symptoms after infection? How can it be prevented?

What is the Norovirus?

Norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus, is a virus that causes non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis. Infections can occur throughout the year, with a high incidence from October to March of the following year.

Target of attack：

The novel coronavirus spreads through "indiscriminate attacks," affecting people of all age groups, especially targeting the elderly and young children with weakened immune systems.

Transmission pathways：

Direct contact - direct exposure to an infected person, such as caring for patients, dining with patients, or using the same tableware.

Indirect transmission - touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus, such as door handles, faucets, etc.

Foodborne transmission - eating food contaminated with norovirus.

Waterborne transmission - drinking water or beverages contaminated with Norovirus.

Dissemination Power：

The transmission power of the Norovirus is extremely strong, with just 18 virus particles capable of causing infection. Just one virus particle on a needle is enough to infect one thousand people!

Survival Time：

Norovirus has a long survival time, being able to survive on surfaces for two weeks and in water for over two months. Additionally, Norovirus has strong resistance to the environment and is difficult to be "killed". The incubation period of Norovirus infection in the human body is usually 24-48 hours, with a long period of shedding. There have been reports of the longest shedding period lasting over 56 days.

Characteristics of virus：

It is very easy to mutate, and new mutant strains appear every few years.

What are the main symptoms of being infected with the Norovirus?

Symptoms after infection with Norovirus mainly include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Additionally, there may be accompanying symptoms such as headache, fever, and muscle aches throughout the body. In children, vomiting is the main symptom, while in adults, diarrhea is predominant. However, up to 30% of people infected are asymptomatic, which increases the stealth of virus transmission.

What to do if infected with the Norovirus?

Currently, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral drugs for norovirus infection. However, norovirus-induced gastroenteritis is a self-limiting disease. Most patients can recover within 2-3 days after onset of symptoms. Therefore, symptomatic treatment can be given after infection to relieve symptoms, allowing the body's immune system to clear the virus and recover.

Supplement electrolytes to prevent dehydration.

Vomiting and diarrhea can easily lead to electrolyte imbalances in the body. Choose foods rich in trace elements to supplement electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium to prevent electrolyte imbalances. You can also choose zero-sugar and zero-calorie electrolyte-balancing drinks, which can assist in the body's function, maintain fluid balance, and improve gastrointestinal function.

Liquid food consumption

When diarrhea occurs, you can consume liquid foods such as rice porridge, gruel, lotus root starch, etc. to replenish water. Then gradually transition to semi-liquid foods such as egg custard, mashed potatoes, and gradually increase the variety of the diet. Eating small meals frequently can help digestion.

Supplementing probiotics, enhancing intestinal resistance

The beneficial bacteria in the intestines can assist in the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the human body, as well as synthesize the necessary nutrients, thereby defending against the invasion of foreign pathogens.

Regular consumption of probiotics can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and help maintain intestinal microecological balance. When choosing probiotics, one can choose probiotics containing strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and also need to understand whether the strains in the product are resistant to gastric acid and bile, and whether they contain prebiotics such as oligofructose and inulin.

How to stay away from Norovirus infection?

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the Norovirus, so taking personal preventive measures in daily life is especially important.

 Pay attention to hand hygiene

The main source of infection with the Norovirus is "disease enters through the mouth." Family members should develop good personal hygiene habits, such as using antibacterial hand sanitizer before and after meals, or when coming home from outside, and washing hands for at least 20 seconds.

Pay attention to food safety

All food should be thoroughly heated before consumption, especially seafood like oysters; make sure they are fully cooked and avoid eating expired or spoiled food. Fruits and raw vegetables should be washed clean before eating, and it is preferable to peel melons and fruits before consumption. Leftover food in the refrigerator, especially leafy vegetables, should be avoided, while grains and meats must be reheated before eating.

Pay attention to the home environment

Every day, make sure to open the windows for ventilation, keep the indoor environment clean, and effectively reduce the levels of pathogenic microorganisms and other pollutants indoors. When the windows are closed, you can place an air purifier with a single-pass filtration efficiency of up to 99.99% indoors to maintain fresh indoor air.

Additionally, regularly disinfect indoor items and appliances, such as doorknobs and toilet seats.