Norovirus

From person to person
Noroviruses are usually transmitted from person to person via smear infection. The pathogens are passed on in minute traces from stool residues or vomit on the hands of the infected person. Passed on from the hands. From the hand, the viruses easily enter the mouth. Tiny droplets in the air, which are produced during vomiting, are also very contagious.

Via contaminated objects
The pathogens can also adhere to objects such as door handles, handrails or fittings and easily enter the mouth via the hands.

Via food
Raw food such as salads, fruit (also e.g. frozen berries), crabs or mussels can be contaminated with noroviruses and can lead to infection just like contaminated water or other drinks.

The illness usually begins suddenly with violent diarrhoea, nausea and gushing vomiting. This is often accompanied by a strong feeling of illness with abdominal and muscle pain, occasionally with a slight fever and headache. The severe vomiting diarrhoea can quickly lead to a lack of fluid in the body, which can become noticeable through a pronounced feeling of weakness or dizziness. The symptoms usually disappear completely after 1 to 2 days.

After infection, the disease usually breaks out quickly, usually between 6 hours and 2 days. Those affected are highly contagious when the signs of the disease appear. Up to about 48 hours after the symptoms have subsided, a relatively large number of pathogens are excreted in the stool. However, the viruses can be excreted for up to 2 weeks or even longer in individual cases and can still be contagious even after vomiting and diarrhoea have subsided.

• People with the disease should take it easy on themselves physically and limit contact with other people as much as possible.
• It is important to drink plenty of fluids in case of diarrhoea and vomiting
• Make sure you eat easily digestible food with sufficient salt intake
• If possible, use your own toilet for up to 2 days after recovery. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after each visit to the toilet, especially during the 2 weeks after illness.
• In the case of noroviruses, the regulations of the Infection Protection Act apply. 

Hand hygiene
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after each use of the toilet and before preparing food and eating.

Other hygiene measures

• If possible, avoid direct contact with sick people until 2 days after the signs of the disease have subsided.
• Only use your own toiletries and towels.
• Regularly clean surfaces around the patient such as sinks, door handles and floors.