Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is an extremely contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis. It is primarily spread through contaminated food and water or close contact with infected individuals. Once infected, the symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever for up to 3 days.
If you've had norovirus once already this week, you may be wondering - "Can I get it twice in one week?" The short answer is yes - read on to find out more.
What's Happening Inside Your Body
Norovirus attacks your gastrointestinal system from both ends! It infects cells lining your intestines (where nutrients are absorbed), causing inflammation that results in nasty symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. Then it makes its way up into your stomach where it irritates those muscles too – leading to lots of heaving!
One Infection Makes You Vulnerable
Most people develop immunity after being sick with norovirus — their body learns how to recognize the virus and fight off future infections effectively. However, if someone gets badly dehydrateddue to their first infection or have weakened immunity because of chronic illness, they may very well acquire another strain of norovirus much quicker than normal .
This 'double whammy', involving two strains close together, will lead you feeling even worse for wear- buckle down survival mode engaging.
Different Strains Of Norvivirus
Scientists estimate there are over 25 types of noroviruses; each type has sub-strains which explains why outbreaks against different strains occur so frequently within communities (cruise ships especially!).
Risk Factors For Reinfection
According Harvard Health, adults aged between[55+ years]studies show they produce only lower immune responses comparedto younger age groups [20-34 years] This is in part because of natural immune cell differentiation and functions declining with age, additionally the positive symptoms that may reoccur from medication or underlying health conditions.
So if you're at higher risk (older adults or those with weakened immune systems), it's important to take extra precautions to prevent norovirus infection again.
How Long Does Norvivirus Last?
Norovirus typically begins peaking after 24-48 hours following infection and can last on average up to 3 days(in some cases abnormal times have been recorded) a point where most people begin improving their condition. However , one could still spread the virus over subsequent weeks.
How Long Should You Wait Before Contacting Your Doctor
If your norovirus symptoms are unusually severe, lasts longer than a week many blood through vomiting feces, strong backed abdominal pain
Any bleeding conditions: wait about 10 days before contacting emergency services,as well as approaching anyone showing signs or displaying an outbreak such; "just like zombies coming out of movies"
Can You Speed Up Recovery Time?
There no specific cure for norovirus infections but hydration and electrolyte replenishment by way of drinks high in sodium such as typical sports drink can help make sufferers comfortable (but not shortening recovery time).
Using anti-diarrheal treatments are used more conservatively as they suppress the toxins naturally emitted during stool passage this could cause further harm potentially. Patients should undergo symptomatic treatment only under medical supervision.
So when considering if its possible to get sick twice in consecutive intervals,allow yourself appropriate rest before being risks returning to work - keep fluids up at regular shorter intake levels exchanging quantity restriction measures.
Take caution washing clothes utensils floors etcetera which came into contact with vomit throwaways wearing gloves masks whilst around others sharing bathroom amenities... Don't underestimate how pervasive these nasty bugs really can be!
Bottom Line
Getting infected with norovirus once can heighten the likelihood of getting infected again, and make the second infection worse than the first (or third, or fourth...). If you are in a higher risk category for this stomach flu, taking preventative measures such as frequent hand washing, regular sanitization increases your chances thwarting off further infections.
Stay germ-free!