Norovirus symptoms usually start very suddenly: Most sufferers suffer from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Especially for children and the elderly, the loss of fluids and salts (electrolytes) can be dangerous. Read all important information about norovirus symptoms here.
Typical norovirus symptoms
Norovirus infection leads to an acute “gastrointestinal flu” (gastroenteritis). Usually, just a few hours after the infection with the norovirus signs appear as gushy Vomiting and diarrheaon. The combination of vomiting and diarrhea refer to physicians as vomiting diarrhea.
In rare cases Norovirus causes Vomiting without diarrhea or Diarrhea without vomiting, Occasionally occur too no norovirus symptoms on. This is called an asymptomatic infection.
Breast diarrhea is potentially dangerous because it removes a lot of fluid and salts (electrolytes) from the body. In infants, young children and the elderly, this can quickly become life-threatening. Therefore, it is particularly important in these patients to compensate for the loss of fluid and salts.
Concomitant norovirus symptoms
Norovirus infections do not only manifest themselves in diarrhea and vomiting in most cases. Frequently, the Norovirus signs like:
- nausea
- stomach pain
- a headache
- body aches
- general malaise
- light fever
- fatigue
In children, one often only experiences an elevated temperature in Norovirus. However, fever rarely occurs here. This distinguishes Norovirus from other forms of gastrointestinal influenza such as a bacterial gastrointestinal flu. In this fever is a typical sign.
Norovirus: symptoms in children
In children, Norovirus infection can be different than in adults. Children often develop Norovirus infection without vomiting. Rarely, sufferers only suffer from nausea and vomiting without the typical diarrhea.
Children are less able to compensate for fluid and electrolyte loss than adults. The body dries out more easily and the electrolyte balance can be disturbed. Possible consequences are circulatory problems, kidney failure or seizures.
Due to the strong intestinal movements and vomiting, the intestine may invaginate itself (intestinal innervation). This leads to violent, spasmodic abdominal pain and bloody-slimy deposits on the chair.
Infants often express their abdominal pain by shrill cries and a characteristic tightening of the legs.
In order to avoid complications, babies and toddlers with Norovirus infection should definitely be monitored by a doctor. Maybe a treatment in the hospital makes sense.
Norovirus symptoms: duration
First norovirus symptoms occur about six to 50 hours after infection. Usually they start very suddenly and immediately in full strength, although those affected were still completely healthy in the hours before. Vomiting and diarrhea last for about three to five days. Concerned persons may feel limp and powerless for a few days longer. When the fluid and nutrient loss is balanced again, patients will soon be as efficient as before the infection.
Diarrhea, vomiting and nausea may last longer in elderly and debilitated patients. Then it is sometimes necessary, the Norovirus symptoms to be treated in the hospital. Potential dangerous complications (such as circulatory problems) can be responded to so quickly.