Gastrointestinal illnesses, often called “a stomach bug” or “the stomach flu,” cause nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Various viruses and bacteria can cause them. These germs can cause a variety of gastrointestinal and other body symptoms.
What is Norovirus?
Noroviruses are a very common cause of gastrointestinal illnesses and often cause an uptick in illness between November and April. Noroviruses are highly contagious and easily spread from one person to another. The virus is shed in the stool and vomit. You can spread the virus from the first time you have symptoms of illness until several days after you recover. Noroviruses can stay on surfaces and objects for days to weeks if not properly disinfected.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Illnesses such as Norovirus include:
- Being in close contact with a person who has a norovirus infection.
- Touching your hands to your mouth after your hands have been in contact with a contaminated surface or object.
- Drinking contaminated water.
- Eating contaminated food.
Norovirus Symptom Onset:
- Signs and symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after your first exposure to norovirus and lasts 1 to 3 days.
Symptoms of Norovirus may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Frequent watery or loose diarrhea
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Feeling ill
- Low-grade Fever (less than 101°F)
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
Prevention of Norovirus:
Hand hygiene, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and avoiding contact with sick people are the most effective ways to reduce transmission of Norovirus. Norovirus is difficult to kill. They can withstand hot and cold temperatures and many disinfectants.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds!
- Wash your hands before eating.
- Wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
- Wash your hands before and after touching any shared items such as fitness equipment, computer keyboards, desks, tables, etc.
- Wash your hands before and after tending to someone who is sick.
- Wash your hands after blowing your nose or coughing into your hands.
- DO NOT share food, drinks, eating utensils, drink containers, or clothing – especially athletic gear.
- Cover your cough with your elbow or a tissue.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces such as handrails, door knobs, light switches, shared keyboards and TV remotes.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are not feeling well, stay home from work, class, activities, sports, and errands.
- If you have a cold, cough, flu, or COVID, wear a mask until your symptoms resolve.
- DO NOT prepare food for others until at least 48 hours have passed since your symptoms resolved.
It is important to note that alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not work well against Norovirus. They can be used in addition to hand washing, but hand sanitizer is not a substitute for handwashing with soap and water, which is best.
What to Do If You Become Sick with Norovirus or other Gastrointestinal Illness:
- Stay home from work, class, activities, sports, and errands until at least 24 hours after your symptoms have fully resolved.
- Students, email your faculty should you need to miss class(es) due to illness.
- Get plenty of rest.
- If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, rest your stomach for a few hours. This means do not try to eat or drink anything for about 2 hours. Then slowly reintroduce liquids such as ice chips, water, ginger ale, warm tea, ½ strength Gatorade® or Liquid IV®. Start slowly and gradually, taking a sip or two every 10 minutes. Avoid rapidly drinking liquid as it will likely induce more vomiting and/or diarrhea. Avoid coffee and alcohol.
- Once the nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea have subsided and your appetite begins to return, start with simple carbohydrates such as crackers, toast, oatmeal, clear soups, plain pasta, and white rice. You can resume your regular diet if you tolerate these foods and no new vomiting or diarrhea return.
Sick Tray Program:
- Residential students can take advantage of the Sick Tray Program offered by Sodexo – https://tcnj.sodexomyway.com/other-offers/sick-tray
Cleaning and Disinfecting During a Norovirus Illness:
- Be sure you are using a cleaning product that will kill norovirus. Please read the product label and list of viruses and bacteria it kills. For more recommendations, visit the CDC website on Norovirus prevention, which outlines how to clean and disinfect surfaces.
- Clean and wash linens and clothing contaminated with vomit or poop. Items should be washed in hot water, preferably with bleach (if possible), and then placed in a dryer at the hottest temperature recommended by the clothing manufacturer. Hands should be thoroughly washed after handling soiled items.
Complications from Gastrointestinal Illnesses:
Medical care is usually unnecessary for most people because gastrointestinal illnesses, even ones caused by Norovirus, typically respond well to self-care measures. However, severe symptoms of gastrointestinal illness can result in dehydration and can mimic other critical illnesses requiring immediate treatment. Call 9-1-1 for evaluation and transportation to the nearest emergency room if you are sick and have:
- Fever of 101°F or more that does not respond to fever-reducing medications.
- Confusion
- Severe headache
- Signs of dehydration which may include:
- Heart palpitations
- Extreme lightheadedness
- Extreme weakness
- Listlessness
- Dizziness
- Decreased urine output
Returning to Normal Activities:
You can return to normal activities 24 hours after symptoms are gone. Wait 48 hours after symptoms stop to prepare food for others or return to work if you work in the food service industry. It is vital to note Norovirus illness can be shed in the stool for up to 2 weeks after an illness. You must be diligent with hand washing to prevent any spread of illness to others.
Accessing Medical Care:
Because Norovirus is typically self-limiting, medical care is not often necessary. If you are a student and need medical care, please schedule a telemedicine visit through OWL, the Online Wellness Link. Faculty/staff should contact their primary healthcare provider.