How long does the entire norovirus disease last?
The entire duration of the norovirus disease – from infection with the norovirus to complete sterility – can be very variable. If the course of the disease is very short, the ability to become infected can be terminated after just under 3 days. However, the disease can also have a longer course of 6 days or more.
How long is there a risk of infection?
There is a particular risk of infection in the phase associated with diarrhoea and vomiting. However, the contagiousness may persist even after the symptoms have subsided. In general, people in food professions should stay at home for at least 2 days after the end of diarrhoea and vomiting.
Children under 6 years of age are also not allowed to enter a communal facility until 2 days after the symptoms have subsided, in order to prevent any germs still present from being spread through carelessness. It is important to emphasize that the viruses may be present in the stool for longer periods of time. This makes proper hand hygiene even longer after a Norovirus infection all the more important. This includes thorough washing with soap for at least 30 seconds or, even better, hand disinfection with an antiviral disinfectant after each visit to the toilet.
How long does the vomiting last?
The vomiting, which usually occurs in gushes, can at best go back after 12 hours. In more severe cases, however, the vomiting may last 48 hours. Vomiting is seen by many people as the most unpleasant aspect of Norovirus disease.
With the help of antiemetic drugs, i.e. drugs that prevent nausea and vomiting, relief can be obtained if the vomiting persists. With these drugs, the instructions for use must be followed carefully, as overdoses must be prevented at all costs. However, it is also possible that a Norovirus infection can occur completely without vomiting.
- Medicines against inheritance
- Home remedy for vomiting
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