© Getty Images

What is norovirus? -

Norovirus, also called the "winter vomiting bug," is a nasty stomach bug. It's the most common cause of gastroenteritis.

© Shutterstock 

No relation to the flu -

Norovirus is also sometimes referred to as stomach flu, but it is not related to the influenza virus.

© Getty Images 

Extremely infectious -

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.

© Shutterstock 

Dehydration -

Frequent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, the symptoms of which include decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up.

© Shutterstock 

Danger to kids -

Pay special attention to children with norovirus. Youngsters who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.

© Shutterstock 

Stomach problems -

Norovirus is an extremely unpleasant and distressing condition, often accompanied by stomach pain.

© Shutterstock 

Feeling ill -

Those stricken with norovirus often have a headache and high temperature.

© Shutterstock 

Painful experience -

Pain, particularly aching arms and legs, is also indicative of the virus.

© Shutterstock 

Acute gastroenteritis -

Pain and discomfort also targets the tummy. Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines. This is called acute gastroenteritis.

© Shutterstock 

No safety in crowds -

Norovirus is spread easily. You can catch the bug through close contact with an infected person.

© Shutterstock 

Norovirus timeline -

A person usually develops symptoms within one to two days of being infected.

© Shutterstock 

Busy environments -

Hospitals, nursing homes, child care centers, and schools are typical of the closed and crowded environments the virus feels most at home in.

© Shutterstock 

Holiday bug -

And you're not immune on vacation either. Hostels, hotels, and cruise ships also serve as potential breeding grounds for norovirus.

© Shutterstock 

Surface tension -

Touching objects or surfaces contaminated with norovirus and then putting your fingers in your mouth can spread the disease.

© Shutterstock 

Food for thought -

Eating food that's been been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus is another way to catch the virus.

© Shutterstock 

Contamination effect -

In fact, norovirus can easily contaminate food and water. It only takes a few particles of the virus to make you sick.

© Shutterstock 

No treatment -

There is no specific medicine to treat people with norovirus illness. The infection cannot be stemmed with antibiotics, because it is a virus.

© Shutterstock 

Rehydrating -

Combatting the effects of norovirus in the first instance is to drink plenty of liquids to replace fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea.

© Shutterstock

Drink plenty of water -

Make sure children with norovirus also drink plenty of water. Milk, fruit juice, and tea can also help replenish important nutrients and minerals.

© Shutterstock

Who's at risk? -

The elderly are most at risk of complications resulting from norovirus, mainly dehydration. Acute renal failure and cardiac issues number among other risk factors.

© Shutterstock 

Symptoms and complications -

The very young, those with underlying health conditions, and the immunocompromised are also at greater risk for severe symptoms and complications arising from the virus.

© Shutterstock 

When to see a doctor -

Complications among healthy adults are less common. Ordinarily, you should start to feel better in two to three days. But if symptoms persist, it's time to seek medical advice.

© Shutterstock

Three-day rule -

You'll need to see a doctor if after three days the vomiting continues and you can't keep anything down.

© Shutterstock 

Running scared -

Likewise, suffering from diarrhea for more than 72 hours indicates a potentially serious problem.

© Shutterstock 

Blood spots -

And blood found in vomit or poop should be considered a medical emergency.

© Shutterstock 

Preventing the spread of norovirus -

Practicing good hygiene is the key to preventing norovirus taking hold. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet or changing diapers.

© Shutterstock 

Always wash your hands -

Similarly, get into the habit of washing your hands before eating, preparing, or handling food.

© Shutterstock

Handling medication -

The same goes before self-medicating or giving someone else medicine.

© Shutterstock 

Clean and disinfect -

Clean and disinfect surfaces on a regularly basis—and immediately after someone has vomited, or has diarrhea. Pull on rubber or disposable gloves and use a powerful bleach-based household cleaner. It's also worth considering wearing a surgical mask whilst doing so. Note that alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.

© Shutterstock 

Wash laundry thoroughly -

Household hygiene extends to washing laundry thoroughly. Clothes and linens soiled with vomit or feces require special attention. Handle carefully and wash at the highest heat setting.

© Shutterstock

The virus can linger -

Be mindful that viruses continue to be shed after symptoms have subsided and shedding can still be detected many weeks after infection. It's therefore wise to maintain your hygiene regimen.

Sources: (NBC News) (Reuters) (CDC) (Infectious Disease Clinics of North America) (NHS)

See also: These deadly diseases are not extinct, despite common belief

© Shutterstock