Winter Food Poisoning: Norovirus Symptoms: Differences from Enteritis (Contagiousness, Quick Recovery Guide)
What if you have a stomachache and vomit in the winter? Simply “What did I eat wrong?” And you can't just pass it by. It's a vicious creature that survives even in sub-zero temperatures. Norovirus It is very likely that it will happen.
“What kind of food poisoning is this in the winter?”You may think so, Did you know that norovirus becomes more active in colder temperatures? Today, I personally looked for and organized the data. Key symptoms of norovirus and tips for quick recoveryI will share it with you.
1. Norovirus: Why do we get it in the winter?
Food poisoning bacteria usually multiply in the summer, but norovirus is different. This virus Even at minus 20 degrees It has a strong vitality that allows it to survive.
- Main causes: Consuming contaminated groundwater, undercooked shellfish, etc.
- Contagiousness: It is easily transmitted through the vomit or secretions of an infected person (even sharing a towel!).
2. 3 Key Symptoms You Can't Miss
From what I've seen around me, norovirus is characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms after an incubation period of 12 to 48 hours. It's a different level of severity than typical stomachache.
① Unstoppable vomiting and diarrhea
Adults are mainly puke, the children diarrhea Symptoms are severe. In particular, vomiting is often so violent that it occurs again even after taking medication.
② Abdominal pain and chills (body aches and pains)
It's not just a stomachache, it's accompanied by muscle pain and chills that feel like you've been beaten all over your body. So in the beginning, “Is it the flu?” And it's easy to get confused.
Editor's Check! If you eat oysters and develop a fever with vomiting within 24 hours, you should suspect norovirus type 90% or higher.
③ Symptoms of dehydration
Even if you only drink water, you can easily become dehydrated if you keep having to go to the bathroom. If you experience a dry mouth and a sudden decrease in urine output, you should immediately focus on rehydrating.
3. How to Get Well Quickly & Coping Tips
While it's best to visit a hospital and get prescribed medication, since this is a viral illness, there's no "magic bullet." The key is to alleviate symptoms and help your body fight off the virus.
- 'Soft drinks' rather than fasting: When vomiting is severe, fast for one or two meals, but afterward, soothe your stomach with white porridge or rice water.
- Consume electrolyte drinks: Water is good, but sipping a lukewarm electrolyte-containing beverage in small sips will help absorption. (Avoid cold water, as it can irritate the intestines.)
- Prohibition of Abuse of the Governor's Office: Diarrhea is the body's way of expelling viruses. Taking antidiarrheal medications too quickly in the early stages can delay the virus's release, so consult your doctor.
4. Preventive measures to prevent family infection
Norovirus is highly contagious. If you're experiencing symptoms, please be sure to follow these precautions.
- Separate bathroom: If this is not possible, the patient should close the toilet lid after use, flush it, and disinfect it with bleach.
- Towel Separation: Never share towels.
- Cooking food: Cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly for at least 1 minute at a central temperature of 85℃ or higher.
For more accurate information on infectious diseases and epidemic situations, it's safest to check data from official government agencies. See below. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency official websiteCheck out the latest information on infectious diseases.
Go directly to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's Infectious Disease Portal
Conclusion: Don't let your guard down!
While norovirus naturally resolves within two to three days in healthy adults, it can be fatal for the elderly or children with weakened immune systems. We hope you'll check the symptoms we've outlined today carefully and have a healthy winter.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I'll answer to the best of my knowledge!