Norwalk Virus Treatment

Norovirus is the name of a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis, or the "stomach flu." The norovirus used to be called the Norwalk virus after Norwalk, Ohio, where there was an outbreak in the 1960s. People who are affected by the Norwalk virus experience vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and cramps. They may also have muscle aches, chill and fever and feel tired. Usually, the afflicted person feels better within a day or two. Children are more likely to experience vomiting than adults.

Drugs

• If you're looking for a medication to treat Norwalk virus, you're out of luck. There is no drug to treat people who are infected. Antibiotics will not help, because they fight bacteria and not viral infections. People who are affected by the Norwalk virus have to let it run its course. Get plenty of rest, drink a lot of fluids and wait it out.

Dehydration

• Norovirus illness can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting, which in turn can cause dehydration because your body is losing so much water. The elderly, children and people with other illnesses are most at risk for dehydration. Symptoms include a dry mouth and throat, a decrease in urination and a dizzy feeling. A child who is dehydrated may also be fussy, sleepy or have few or no tears when they cry. It's essential to treat dehydration caused by the Norwalk virus. The best way is to drink a lot of fluids. Oral rehydration fluids are the best bet. This includes pre-mixed drinks such as Pedialyte, Infalyte and Naturalyte. If you have mild dehydration, other drinks will help as long as they don't contain caffeine or alcohol.

Prevention

• People who are infected with the norovirus should not make food while they have symptoms and for 3 days following recovery. This will keep the food from becoming contaminated and the virus spreading to others. You can lessen your chance of coming down with the bug by washing your hands often, especially after going to the bathroom or changing diapers and before eating. Around the house, it's a good idea to remove and wash linens and clothes that may be infected with the virus. You should also clean and disinfect surfaces after the illness with a bleach cleaner. Also, wash vegetables and fruits before eating them and steam oysters before eating them.