Introduction
The Norovirus is one of the most important diarrhoea viruses. Although it can cause infections all year round, it occurs more frequently in the winter months from autumn to spring. The Norovirus is known to cause endemics in public institutions, hospitals and schools.
This is due to the easy transmission routes, the high rate of infection and infectivity and the persistence of the pathogens, which make the virus difficult to control. The norovirus causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, especially in the small intestine. The inflammation can be very severe and highly acute with the typical symptoms of a severe gastrointestinal flu. Norovirus infection subsides just as quickly within a few days to a week.
The symptoms of Norovirus
The classic symptom combination of a norovirus infection is diarrhea and vomiting. Nausea can set in just a few hours after the initial infection with the pathogen. Then vomiting occurs, which is described as “gushing”.
The diarrhea is followed by cramp-like abdominal pain. The diarrhea can be so severe and fluid that it can lead to considerable loss of water from the body. After the onset of vomiting diarrhea, a strong feeling of illness also occurs.
This feeling of illness is accompanied by fever, aching limbs and muscles. Headaches, sensitivity to cold and the onset of tiredness and weakness are also experienced. As a result of the severe water loss, it is essential to maintain the water and electrolyte balance.
In case of excessive dehydration, dizziness, weakness and fainting may occur. Especially old and very young people are affected. In addition, back, breech and neck pain can occur due to pain in the limbs and weakened bed rest:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Limb Pain
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Cold Sensitivity
Vomiting is one of the most common and unpleasant symptoms of an acute norovirus infection.
It occurs as a result of nausea, which can set in just a few hours after infection. Vomiting usually subsides earlier than other symptoms. Nausea and vomiting can normalize after 1-2 days, so that food can be supplied again.
If the vomiting is strong and gushing, the risk of losing water, food and electrolytes is even higher than with diarrhoea. Electrolytes are charged particles that play a major role in the regulation of metabolic processes. If the particles are lost, the body becomes unbalanced and weakness and dizziness may occur.
In the case of severe or particularly protracted norovirus infections, a doctor may need to administer intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. Home remedies such as camomile or ginger tea can also be used to prevent vomiting. The hot fluid and the herbs have a gentle and calming effect on the stomach lining and can promote healing and relief.
Diarrhea is another main symptom of a norovirus infection. Diarrhea usually begins about one day after the original norovirus infection. Before that, abdominal pain and abdominal cramps can occur, which herald the onset of diarrhoea.
Norovirus mainly affects the small intestine. In the digestive tract, the small intestine is also the area where the largest amount of fluid from daily food is absorbed and absorbed into the body. The virus attacks the mucous membrane of the small intestine and blocks these absorption mechanisms, resulting in mass excretion of water and food residues.
At the same time, masses of pathogens are excreted along with the liquid food residues. The body uses this diarrhea and vomiting to fight off and get rid of the noroviruses. Even though the intestinal flora has been restored, large quantities of noroviruses are still present in the mucous membrane of the small intestine.
In the case of a norovirus infection, it is important to note that viruses are still excreted in the stool several days after the symptoms have subsided. Thorough toilet hygiene must also be maintained a few days after the illness, as infectious pathogens are still present in the stool. Typically with an increase in fever, headache and aching limbs also set in.
Pain in the limbs is not unusual when the temperature rises and a feeling of illness sets in. They often represent an early symptom before the onset of fever and weakness.The pain comes from the muscles, which is similar to the pain of a sore muscle and is accompanied by a feeling of weakness. In order to raise the body temperature and increase the activity of the immune system, metabolic processes in the muscle are reduced.
Pain in the limbs helps the body to rest, to maintain bed rest and to give the body the necessary support in fighting the pathogens. Headaches, on the other hand, can indicate that the body is beginning to dry out. In connection with fever, they often occur with a feeling of thirst.
In particular, if the general nausea reduces the intake of food and water, the rise in temperature can cause a sharp headache. A large glass of water and the necessary bed rest and sleep are the most effective remedies. You can read more about the topic of aching limbs here.
All articles in this series:
