You may have heard about the Norovirus by now. The highly contagious virus is once again spreading in big numbers and already caused a stir in the United Kingdom.

Moreover, it has reached India, where the first cases of the virus were detected in Kerala on January 24.

The two samples were tested after 62 persons — students and their parents — developed symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, a high temperature, headache, and body aches.

For starters, it is not new. The virus has been circulating among humans for over 50 years and is estimated to kill 200,000 persons globally every year. The virus can spread easily from person to person through contaminated food or water, touching contaminated surfaces, or close contact with infected individuals.

This may be a headache, but some safety precautions can help you to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Symptoms

The symptoms in an adult can develop within 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. It can last from one to three days. Some of the common symptoms are diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, as well as fever.

Moreover, in some cases, the affected individual may also experience headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Norovirus infection can be severe in people with weakened immune systems, such as young children, and older adults, leading to dehydration and other complications.

How it can get you?

The highly contagious virus can survive for a long time on surfaces and can withstand many common disinfectants, which makes it difficult to control.

As mentioned above, it can spread easily from person to person, especially in crowded sittings like schools, public gatherings and many others.

Moreover, it can also be transmitted through contaminated food or water or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Even if someone has no symptoms, they can still be contagious.

How to avoid the virus?

Good hygiene and sanitation measures are the best way to prevent the virus. It is important to keep your hands clean with soap and water, especially when cooking and handling or preparing food.

Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils, or personal items with others and keep. Increase use of disinfect cleaners on surfaces that may be contaminated with norovirus, such as countertops, doorknobs, and bathroom fixtures.

Apart from that, if there is someone who is contagious and living with you, take care to avoid contaminated items, food and water, and keep the patient in isolation.

Is Norovirus curable?

There isn’t any particular norovirus vaccine available, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, several experimental vaccines are under development, and they can be used depending on the symptom in the patient.

Moreover, the CDC recommends staying hydrated could resolve the illness within a few days.

Despite, taking all the precautions, it is important to always consult a medical professional before taking any medical decisions.