What is the Norovirus?

The norovirus, or sometimes commonly known as “food poisoning” or “stomach flu”, is a very contagious virus. Some of the common ways in which you can get the norovirus include coming into contact with an infected person, ingesting contaminated food or water, and by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes your stomach or intestines to get inflamed leading to stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

What are the symptoms of norovirus?

Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines, which is known as acute gastroenteritis. Some common symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches

Often times if you have the norovirus, you can feel extremely ill and particularly, the vomiting and diarrhea can also lead to dehydration. Some symptoms of dehydration can include decrease urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up.

How is the norovirus treated?

Most people with the norovirus illness can get better within one to three days. There is actually no specific medicine to treat people with norovirus illness because it is a viral infection – antibiotics only work for bacterial infections. If you have the norovirus illness, you need to drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea. Severe dehydration can lead to serious problems and may require hospitalization for treatment. If you or someone you are caring for is severely dehydrated, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

How can I protect myself from the norovirus?

You can protect yourself from the norovirus illness by practicing good hygiene.

• Do not share your food or utensils with someone who is sick.
• Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before handling food and after using the toilet.
• Clean and disinfected contaminated surfaces especially if you are around someone who is sick.
• Make sure to wash an infected person’s clothes thoroughly to prevent the spread of the illness.

For more information on Healthpointe’s treatments call 888-719-8448 or visit any of our locations such as, our Long Beach Office near Signal Hill, Carson, Seal Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower, Compton, Hawaiian Gardens, and Los Alamitos.

About Healthpointe:

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Anaheim, which is conveniently located near Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, La Mirada, Cerritos, Buena Park and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit healthpointe.net