Symptoms of Norovirus infection
The symptoms of an infection and illness caused by a norovirus are long known as so-called vomiting diarrhoea.The disease begins a few hours to days after the virus is ingested, initially with slight nausea, which within a very short time turns into violent gushing vomiting and is accompanied by diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Those affected suddenly feel very ill and may also suffer from fever and headaches. The symptoms in themselves are not life-threatening, the only possible consequence of the water loss caused by the vomiting and diarrhea is the maximum dehydration of the affected person.
In the most extreme case, the affected person has to be hospitalized in the hospital to receive the absolutely necessary liquid by infusion, if the own drinking is sufficient. Forerunners of dehydration are dizziness and a general weakness. Children and elderly people are particularly at risk here, as their fluid balance is less flexible and fluid deficiencies cannot be compensated for so easily by the circulation.
After 1-2 days the symptoms usually disappear by themselves in otherwise healthy people without the need for therapy or even a hospital stay. Complaints such as tiredness, fatigue and a general feeling of illness can last a few days longer. Norovirus infection typically occurs in adults with diarrhea and vomiting.
In rare cases, only vomiting or only diarrhoea may occur. There is a norovirus infection in adults without vomiting. In children, an infection with noroviruses without vomiting is equally possible.
Course of disease
An infection with noroviruses usually begins suddenly with severe diarrhea and vomiting. The gastrointestinal discomfort can last for three to five days. If the course of the disease is mild, these symptoms improve automatically after 12 to 24 hours.
Severe diarrhea and vomiting carry the risk of considerable fluid loss. A severe loss of fluid and electrolytes can cause life-threatening complications such as cardiovascular or kidney failure. Therefore, a hospital stay may be necessary in the case of severe conditions, especially if there are other diseases and a weakened general condition.
In the course of the disease, norovirus infections often cause further symptoms such as abdominal pain, headaches and aching limbs, a strong feeling of illness and fatigue. The body temperature may rise, but fever occurs only rarely. In most cases, the main symptoms subside after two days.
The duration of the entire illness is a few days to a week. An infection with noroviruses usually progresses very quickly and severely. If the general condition of the infected person is poor, the disease can last much longer overall.
- The incubation period (the time from infection to outbreak of the disease) is only a few hours for noroviruses.
- The possible infection lasts for further days, even if the symptoms have already subsided.
- The acute illness with diarrhea and severe vomiting often lasts three to five days.
