Get Norovirus Illness: Key Facts - Centers For Disease Control And ... - Cdc

Noroviruses are members of a group of viruses called caliciviruses, known previously as Norwalk-like viruses. This infection is often mistakenly referred to as the stomach flu, but noroviruses are not related to the flu (influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus.

Norovirus illness is usually brief in people who are otherwise healthy. Young children, the elderly, and people with other medical illnesses are most at risk for more severe or prolonged infection.

Norovirus can live on surfaces for up to 4 weeks. It is important to clean regularly. For items or surfaces you touch frequently, clean them every day. How often should I change clothes and bedding?

Surfaces can get contaminated with norovirus in many ways, including when: An infected person touches the surface with their bare hands that have poop or vomit particles on them. An infected person vomits or has diarrhea that splatters onto surfaces.

Clean and disinfect surfaces Leave the bleach disinfectant on the affected area for at least five minutes then clean the entire area again with soap and hot water. Finish by cleaning soiled laundry, taking out the trash, and washing your hands.

Although norovirus infection is sometimes referred to as stomach flu, gastroenteritis is distinct from flu, a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. Gastroenteritis can be caused by bacteria or by a variety of viruses, including noroviruses.

Common symptoms of norovirus infection include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Less common symptoms can include low-grade fever or chills, headache, and muscle aches.

Norovirus, an RNA virus of the family Caliciviridae, is a human enteric pathogen that causes substantial morbidity across both health care and community settings.

The virus can live on hard or soft surfaces for about two weeks; in still water it can live months or possibly years.