M Health Fairview providers help patients with norovirus every year. It is a condition that can be very debilitating while symptoms are ongoing, which is usually about 1-3 days. However, most people generally recover without medical attention.
It is possible to test stool samples for norovirus, but there is no treatment beyond alleviating symptoms, so it generally isn’t necessary. If you or your loved one have norovirus, it is important to:
- Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food. Norovirus cannot be eliminated with hand sanitizer, but you can wash it off your hands with soap and water. Make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Norovirus can remain in the stool for up to two weeks after infection, so keep up with this even after your household has recovered.
- Make sure to stay hydrated. Vomiting and diarrhea can leave you dangerously dehydrated, so it’s best to try to keep drinking water even if you don’t feel like it. Sports drinks can also help. If you are showing signs of severe dehydration such as feeling dizzy, having a dry mouth and throat, and crying without tears, you should see a doctor.
- Call your doctor if you aren’t sure whether to come in. It can be tricky to know whether it’s worth it to go into a doctor’s office for viruses since there isn’t really a treatment other than easing symptoms. If you aren’t sure whether you should go in, call your doctor’s office or the nurse triage line at 1-855-FAIRVIEW. They can tell you whether you can stay home and may have tips or ideas for how to soothe your symptoms. They also may be able to prescribe anti-nausea medication to allow you to hydrate.
There is no vaccine for norovirus, so preventing the spread is crucial.
