Complications of an infection with the Norovirus
For healthy adults, infection with the norovirus is unpleasant, but rarely life-threatening. Complications can occur due to the massive loss of water through vomiting and diarrhoea. Along with the water, the salts contained in food and the gastric and intestinal juices are also lost, so that the salt balance of our body can be disturbed.
Due to the loss of water, the affected persons suffer from weakness caused by the lowered blood pressure and in the worst case even fainting (med=syncope) can occur. Since the circulatory system has to do more to maintain circulation with less fluid due to the lack of water in the blood, the heart has to work more. A diseased heart quickly runs the risk of running out of reserves, leading to heart attacks or even heart failure.
Those affected by cardiovascular diseases should pay particular attention to a sufficient fluid intake during the illness and be admitted to hospital at an early stage. The same applies to smaller children, who by nature already have less fluid in their bodies and thus also quickly reach their stress limits. In addition to fluid loss, the loss of body salts such as potassium, calcium and sodium can also have extreme consequences for the body.
One example is potassium, which can easily be responsible for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia if the concentration in the blood changes. Here too, people who have already suffered from heart disease are again particularly at risk. A total of 43 deaths have been reported in 2011 due to diseases with the norovirus.
Prophylaxis of an infection with the Norovirus
A vaccination against noroviruses is not yet possible. Unlike rotaviruses, for example, the RNA of noroviruses changes very easily and new viral mutations can arise. DNA viruses are considered to be more stable in terms of genetic material.
Until today, 7 subgroups of noroviruses have been created by changes in the genetic material and these subgroups can often even be divided into further groups. A vaccination against viruses with constantly changing genetic material is therefore hardly possible. Ultimately, only adequate personal hygiene can protect against infection.
Even people who are not affected can prevent infection with a high probability by regularly washing their hands with soap and cleaning surfaces such as sinks, handles and floors. Disinfectants or normal soap and water can be used. It is important to note that not all common disinfectants can also reliably kill the Norovirus.
In addition, a mouth guard and protective gowns can be worn in the rooms where a person is staying or in his presence. However, despite all hygiene measures, there is no absolute safety. Unfortunately, the Norovirus does not lead to a relevant immunity after an infection.
According to the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety, people can develop short-term resistance/immunity to noroviruses after a norovirus infection. This means that immediately after an infection, those affected could not be reinfected with the virus. This temporary resistance occurs only in rare cases and passes after a certain time.
There is no real immunity against noroviruses. It is not possible to vaccinate people against noroviruses, as there is no vaccine against the highly infectious virus yet. If you want to protect yourself against a norovirus infection, you should pay attention to thorough hand hygiene. Careful hand washing after going to the toilet is an important measure for protection. Seafood should be cooked thoroughly before eating and salads should be washed thoroughly.
