Norovirus symptoms: Do you think you have the ‘stomach flu?’
Norovirus – known by names such as “stomach flu” or “stomach bug” – is making the rounds in Alabama.
Cases of the highly contagious stomach bug are up roughly 30% over last year, with 225 outbreaks of norovirus reported between Aug. 1, 2022 and Jan. 18, 2023. It is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and intestines, among people of all ages in the U.S.
And while it is referred to as “stomach flu,” norovirus has nothing to do with influenza, which has mostly respiratory symptoms.
Norovirus is spread through contaminated foods, liquids, surfaces, or people with the virus. Anyone is susceptible to norovirus but it can be particularly dangerous for the very young or old. It can also be found in vomit or feces of infected people, making hand washing even more important, the CDC said.
The most common symptoms of norovirus are:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- nausea
- stomach pain
Other symptoms include:
- fever
- headache
- body aches
A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus and most people get better within 3 days.
The most dangerous side effect of norovirus can be dehydration. The virus can make you vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults and people with other illnesses.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
- decrease in urination
- dry mouth and throat
- feeling dizzy when standing up
- Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.