As mentioned previously, Norovirus is highly contagious, as in it is very easy to contract the illness from the environment and or others. The virus is characterized with high attack rates (speed of spread). The disease can be spread through human to human direct contact, human to food indirect contact, or general contact with infected fecal matter and or vomitus. It does not take many viral particles to infect an individual.
The individuals at risk are the general human population (any age, race, and gender), meaning you.
There are many forms of transmission for this illness, so, let's break it down. First and foremost, transmission can occur indirectly from vehicle (i.e., food or liquid) to host (humans). Any food (raw or cooked) and or liquid may become contaminated with the virus through previous contact and handling with infected host. The consumption of such contaminated food and or liquid will transmit the virus to the host. Thus, this virus can be classified as a food borne illness (being transmitted from food).Secondly, transmission can occur directly from infected host to host. If an infected individual shares an item with a healthy individual (i.e., food, utensils, cups etc.), the healthy individual ay contract the virus. Additionally, a healthy individual can contract the virus if he or she comes in contact with infected fecal matter and or vomitus, since both of these contain viral particles. Thirdly, transmission can occur through contact with contaminated surfaces. If an individual comes in contact with contaminated surfaces and then proceeds to handle food and or touches their mouth, they can acquire the virus. Not too many people think of this, but one should keep in mind that when I say liquid as a vehicle, I just don't mean just drinkable liquid, swimming pools may also transmit this virus through the contact with pool water and one's mouth so, be careful! Additionally, airplanes, cruise ships, and raw seafood are all known to be highly associated with transmission of the virus.
I'm sure now that you have read all about the Norovirus and what violent and horrible symptoms it causes, you are slightly panicking on the inside for the fear of contracting such a contagious virus. Well, you're in luck, because now I will inform you on preventative measures you can take!
There are numerous preventative measures one can take to decrease chances of contracting the awful Norovirus. The most important, as well as the easiest, is hand washing! This technique should always be utilized, especially before eating or feeding others, before and after handling food, after using the bathroom, and after coming in contact with possible infected hosts and their fecal matter or vomitus.
Furthermore, individuals should practice general hygiene (i.e., maintaining clean house through disinfectant, disposal of any contaminated material etc.). Another precaution that should be taken is the thorough inspection and cleaning of food products. Wash all raw fruits, vegetables, and seafood thoroughly. If there is any suspicion of a food being contaminated with Norovirus, it should be thrown out. In addition to hygiene practices and kitchen safety, try not to share utensils, food, or drinks with others and do not consume food prepared by an infected individual.
If an individual you are living with is sick, disinfect all surfaces and items he or she comes into contact with. Wash their clothes thoroughly. Do not share items, food, or drinks with them. These precautions must be taken even 48 hours after symptoms have alleviated.
If you are sick, you may quarantine yourself for a few days. Try not to prepare any food for anyone else and or share anything orally.
As far as treatments go, there are not any*. The virus goes away on its own after a couple of days and does not necessarily have any treatments. However, depending on the severity of symptoms, an infected individual may receive anti-nausea medication such as Zofran and Dramamine to help alleviate nausea and other symptoms associated with nausea. Additionally, due to the serious secondary symptoms of the virus (i.e., dehydration**), it is crucial that an infected individual maintain fluid balance in the body. In other words, if you are infected, be sure to drink plenty of clear fluids to prevent dehydration and any further complications of the virus that will land you in a hospital.
I would recommended the anti-nausea medication for alleviated pain. I would also highly recommend over the counter Pepto-Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate) for such symptoms. I would also recommend drinking plenty of clear fluids (i.e., water, gatorade etc.) as well as light food (since consuming anything heavy will further induce your stomach to throw it up). Foods such as chicken soup, or any broth based soap, and jello are great. Keep in mind that this is a violent virus and your body is doing anything it can to rid it from your body. Therefore, anything you put into it, will more than likely come back up, so, eat light foods and drink plenty!
*A journal article I will review later on discusses the possible treatment of this virus with lemon juice!
**dehydration symptoms include dry sticky mouth, headache, dizziness, and thirst.
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References
http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/norovirus/008_norovirus-background.html
http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/transmission.html
http://www.nhsggc.org.uk/media/233225/norovirus.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/cruiselines/norovirus_summary_doc.htm
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/OEPR_Preventing-and-Treating-Dehydration.pdf
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/symptoms/con-20030056
Images in order of appearance
http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=21178
(2) http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/
https://eunj.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/wash-your-hands/
http://www.washinghands.net/images/posters/hand-washing-poster-5.jpg
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