WHAT IS NOROVIRUS?
- Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a viral agent that causes acute gastroenteritis (gastro) in adults and children
- Sometimes dubbed the "two-bucket disease", it is highly contagious and spreads rapidly
- Spikes of norovirus usually occur in winter when people spend more time indoors
- About 5000 people with gastro have inundated NSW hospital emergency rooms in the past three weeks
SYMPTOMS
- Highly explosive diarrhoea, projectile vomiting and generally feeling unwell
- Appear within 12-24 hours of contracting norovirus
- Lasts two to four days
TREATMENT
- Keep hydrated due to fluid loss and to avoid headaches
- Focus on electrolyte recovery but avoid sugary drinks
- Affected individuals should try to isolate themselves
PREVENTION
- Steer clear of infected patients
- Maintain high standards of hygiene
- Currently no vaccine or antivirals to take during an outbreak
(Source: University of Melbourne Associate Professor Jason Mackenzie - Doherty Institute)
