Norovirus is entering its peak period! How to prevent it?

China Science and Technology News Network, February 10 (Jin Xi)

Recently, disease control departments in many places have reminded that acute infectious diarrhea caused by norovirus has entered its peak period. How can we prevent norovirus infection in our daily lives?

Norovirus is a virus of the genus Norovirus in the family Caliciviridae. The infectious diarrhea caused by it is prevalent worldwide and infection can occur throughout the year. The main targets of infection are adults and school-age children, with a higher incidence in cold seasons. The main manifestations of infection are diarrhea or vomiting. It is usually called acute gastroenteritis internationally. It is the main pathogen for sporadic cases and outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis worldwide.

Experts said that the incubation period of norovirus gastroenteritis infection is usually 24 to 48 hours, with an acute onset, with vomiting and diarrhea as the main symptoms, followed by nausea, abdominal pain, fever and myalgia. Children with the disease generally suffer from vomiting, while adults with the disease often suffer from diarrhea, with 4 to 8 episodes of diarrhea within 24 hours. The stool is watery or watery, without mucus, pus or blood, and dehydration may occur in severe cases.

At present, there is no specific antiviral drug for Norovirus-induced diarrhea. If Norovirus-induced diarrhea occurs, antibiotics are not needed. The water consumed during vomiting and diarrhea should be replenished in time. Supplementing with sugar saline or oral rehydration salts can help patients balance the replenishment of water and electrolytes. If vomiting or diarrhea symptoms are severe, seek medical attention in time.

The most effective way to prevent norovirus infection is to maintain good hygiene habits. Wash your hands correctly according to the 6-step hand washing method before and after meals, using soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. It should be noted that disinfectant wipes and rinse-free hand sanitizer cannot replace hand washing.

It is recommended to drink boiled water, not eat raw or half-cooked food, carefully wash fruits and vegetables, cook food correctly, especially foods with high risk of infection with norovirus such as shellfish and seafood should be thoroughly cooked before eating.

During the illness, patients should be isolated at home or in hospital according to their condition until 3 days after the symptoms completely disappear. Wash hands frequently, keep hands clean, and try not to have close contact with other healthy family members, especially do not cook or take care of the elderly and young children. In addition, disinfect the surfaces of environmental objects, daily necessities, food processing tools, drinking water, etc. contaminated by pollutants such as vomit and feces of patients. It should be noted that alcohol is ineffective against norovirus, and chlorine-containing disinfectants are most effective against norovirus.