How long does the norovirus last for?

If you’ve ever gotten the norovirus, you know it’s no laughing matter. Trust me; I’ve been there. It’s an incredibly unpleasant experience that can leave you bedridden for days on end. But how long does the norovirus last for? Well, my friend, that’s what we are here to discuss today.

What is Norovirus?

Before we dive into how long this nasty virus lasts, let us first define what it actually is. Noroviruses are a group of highly contagious viruses that cause gastroenteritis or inflammation of the stomach and small intestines in people. The symptoms of infection generally include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting profusely (ew), and stomach cramps.

How Do You Get Norovirus?

The transmission rate of these heinous viruses is off-the-charts high! Essentially any fecal or vomit particles floating around in your immediate vicinity could be carrying this bugger with them. So whether it’s someone throwing up at work/school/on public transit—or using contaminated utensils—wash those hands like a boss (for real!) after coming into contact with anything from any form of bodily fluids/matter brought to light by another human being.

Some primary causes might include:

  • Eating/sharing food prepared by infected persons
  • Touching surfaces handled by an infected person
  • Drinking water/frosty beverages from contaminated source

Once exposed expect:

  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
    etcetera, within just 12 hours to 2 days post exposure bare minimuml until as much as two weeks afterward!

So if you listen closely enough when out in crowded spaces above all during flu season woe upon thee who happens so much as hearing “oh my tummy hurts” from a stranger or colleague because aside from the obvious fact that their tummy could very well hurt, you might also end up catching something yourself.

Now let’s get to answering this question: How Long Does Norovirus Last?

On average norovirus lasts anywhere between 1-3 days but can stay active in infected individuals for more than ten days. In some rarer cases it may take as much as several weeks before symptoms disappear completely – so don’t be alarmed if your windows of distress extend beyond the lower limit!

There are roughly two phases involved with most Norovirus infections:

Acute Phase

It begins time zero and perfect storm happens within about 24 hours after exposure where sufferers start experiencing symptoms like:

  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea/Vomiting (How lovely!)

Recovery Phase

Then comes blessedly the calmer phase during which people usually begin feeling better + regain appetite/energy levels although occasional bathroom runs still expected.

Some folks never see a crazy transition into recovery; however, illnesses involving serious dehydrating elements will require time spent under constant medical attention and support–Do not ever doubt consulting your doctor friendos even when approaching acute phase! Stay hydrated, Bedrest is always recommended until fully recovered/symptoms subside.

How Do You Treat This Virus When Infected?

I’d like to beat this horse just once more before we move on. Stay hydrated when you get hit by any type of stomach bug!!! Drink plenty of fluids regardless of how overwhelming dehydration might seem–especially if suffering through severe diarrhea/vomiting bouts wherein h20 spills tend rather excessive amounts out-of-pocket over shorts periods early on >>>take frequent high-quality eye-contact-with-BFF breaks<<< Encourage fellow victims to sip water every half hour or so along too especially when they don’t feel thirsty yet themselves.

Advise to follow/treat Norovirus infection might include the following tips:

  1. Drink plenty of fluids
  2. Take electrolytes/rehydration solutions
  3. Avoid solid foods until symptoms subside
  4. In place of more heavy (and tempting) food options, consider instead eating lightweight broth-based soups or simply nibble on cloudy apple sauce as personal appetite allows when up for something small but satisfying.
  5. No need try supplements/laxatives independently and wait for your doctor’s guidance first either overt countermedication useal is always best left consulted especially considering past patient history.

How Can You Prevent Yourself From Catching Norovirus?

Primarily, staying hydrated with good hygiene practices!!! That means: wash your hands frequently, cough/sneezing into sleeve/elbow if in mixed party settings, avoid potential sources of contaminated water/food that comes from any kind still unknown community source i.e; flowing tap-water under dish formations while nibbling strangers-who-have-been-touching-unfathomable-things type events! Do not share utensils/items used by others alone

And most importantly if you know someone contagious be mindful about spending large amounts time/having casual social interactions directly around them (& vice versa). Plan out how much hand-to-face/vessel/epidermis contact you can tolerate before potentially ending up sick from all their germs rampant nearby yourself.

If it makes sense i suggest inviting said infecto-friend over as a netflix playthrough partner anyway after they’ve fully recovered because whatever else we know flu season will just always loom ahead …never too soon for a little prevention protocol.

In short? Get ready ride out (quite frankly) complete misery & despair route should you find clinical signs indicating possible norovirus contamination–for at least 24 hours during acute phase along min.two weeks desired preliminary window alongside other post-virus symptoms as well! Hydrate accordingly with caution and attention to needs/amounts individual body demands from there on, around-the-clock monitoring until ready for life outside house quarantine.

Stay comfy–and talk to your doctor children 🙂.

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