Norovirus Outbreaks Climb: Symptoms to Watch for, Home Remedies

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There are currently outbreaks of norovirus in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data show 225 norovirus outbreaks from August 2022 to January 2023, which is about 30 percent higher than the 172 outbreaks reported during the same months in 2022.

Norovirus outbreaks in the United States. CDC

Where Is the Outbreak Worst?

As of the time of this article’s publication, laboratories in the Midwest observed averages of a 15.5 percent positivity rate in patients who took a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test as of Feb. 18.

The Western region is experiencing an average positivity rate of 12.4 percent as of Feb. 18, which will likely rise as the month continues.

Average positivity rates for the Northeast (17.2 percent) and South (18.2 percent) have both exceeded 2022’s peaks, with the Northeast’s being 16.5 percent in March and the South’s being 14.7 percent that same month.

Symptoms of Norovirus Infection

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can infect people of all ages, causes gastroenteritis or inflammation of the stomach and intestines, and is often referred to as stomach flu.

It spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or by direct contact with an infected person.

“It is similar to most ‘stomach flu’ viruses like rotavirus in terms of symptoms,” Dr. Eric Cioè-Peña, director of Global Health for Northwell Health in New York, told The Epoch Times. “The big thing with this virus is that it’s very contagious (think whole cruise ships getting infected) and there is no vaccine like for rotavirus.”

Infection typically begins within 24 to 48 hours after exposure to norovirus and can last for up to three days.

The most common symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Low-grade fever

In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration, which can cause dizziness, dry mouth, dark urine, and decreased urination. Dehydration is especially dangerous for infants, young children, and the elderly, who may require hospitalization.

Risk Factors for Severe Disease

Some people are at greater risk for severe illness, such as babies, very young children, and the elderly.

Certain medical conditions also increase the risk of severe disease:

• People with weakened immune systems, like those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV/AIDS
• People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or liver disease

“The virus can cause lots of diarrhea and water losses, which is most serious for the extremes of age,” said Cioè-Peña. “The very young and very old can get very sick.”

When to Seek Medical Care

Most cases of norovirus infection can be managed at home with rest and hydration and will recover within a few days without any complications. But you should seek medical care if you experience severe dehydration, bloody or black stool, and severe illness like:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea for more than three days
• Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, and muscle aches
• Severe abdominal pain
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing

In some cases, particularly for infants, young children, and the elderly, the infection could lead to more serious complications, like pneumonia or an improper and severe response to infection called sepsis.

It’s important to manage the symptoms of the infection to prevent severe dehydration.

“If you get dizzy to the point you cannot walk, if you stop urinating regularly (over eight hours) we say these are signs of moderate to severe dehydration,” advised Cioè-Peña. “You probably need to be seen by a medical professional.”

Natural Ways to Relieve Symptoms

If you are experiencing norovirus infection, there are some natural ways to relieve the symptoms. Four things you can do to relieve your discomfort are:

1. Drink plenty of water or other fluids to prevent dehydration. Get enough rest so your body can better recover from the infection.
2. Eat bland foods, and avoid spicy or fatty foods, which can irritate your stomach. Instead, try eating bland foods like crackers, rice, or bananas.
3. Use ginger. This root has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting. You can try drinking ginger tea or even taking ginger supplements. A randomized controlled trial found that oral administration of ginger is effective and safe at improving vomiting in children with acute gastroenteritis. A review of studies concluded that ginger is a promising treatment for nausea and vomiting in a variety of clinical settings.
4. Try eating foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt or kefir, or taking probiotic supplements. Probiotics can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut.

“For mild symptoms, Gatorade is a good supplement,” recommended Cioè-Peña. “But Pedialyte is the best oral rehydration solution.”

Prevention is much better than dealing with symptoms of bad stomach flu.

The best way to protect yourself from infection is to frequently wash your hands, especially before preparing food or eating, and use hand sanitizer when you’re out in public to prevent infection from touching contaminated surfaces.