Health season of norovirus infections

Winter is the season for most norovirus infections

14/02/2011

Due to the season, the health authorities report an increase in norovirus infections in Germany. This is reported by the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin. However, a special wave of infection was not observed. The reported cases are on a par with the previous year.

Due to the current season, infections with noroviruses are increasing, said Susanne Glasmacher of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berin. There is currently no evidence that many people are infected with noroviruses this year. A „particularly strong wave“ not available, says Glasmacher.

Simple precautions minimize the risk of infection
Those who follow simple but effective hygiene measures can help prevent the highly infectious viruses from spreading further. Already ill patients protect relatives and friends best if they get in contact with as few people as possible during the illness phase and recover completely. Children should not go to kindergarten or school even after two days have elapsed since the symptoms resolved. The Noroviruses are transmitted mostly by the feces and vomit infected. The RKI advises sufferers to wash their hands very thoroughly after a bowel movement. All surfaces that came into contact with the excretions of the patients inside the apartment should be thoroughly cleaned with protective gloves. Afterwards, the gloves and cleaning cloths must be disposed of completely. Bed linen, towels and clothes should be washed at least 60 degrees with the washing machine every day. Used dishes can be cleaned in the dishwasher as usual.

Disinfectant not necessary
Disinfectants do not need to be purchased. For private households the RKI considers such an acquisition not necessary. Those who still want to use some for the period of the disease phase, should ask in the pharmacy for adequate Norovirus remedies. Not all remedies are suitable for repelling noroviruses.

If the symptoms of Norovirus infection have gone down, that does not mean that viruses are no longer transmitted. Noroviruses are excreted up to two weeks after onset of the disease. For this reason, the hygiene measures described should continue to be strictly adhered to, because otherwise new diseases threaten.

Medical treatment only necessary in exceptional cases
Patients who have survived the infectious disease are generally not in need of medical attention, said the institute staff member. If the disease breaks down, those affected suffer from severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Through the vomiting diarrhea the organism loses a lot of fluid. Patients should therefore drink enough fluids in the form of water and stomach-sparing teas. The additional administration of electrolytes is recommended. Electrolytes can be purchased in the pharmacy in powder form.

Norovirus registration is only required for major outbreaks such as in clinics or geriatric care facilities. For individual diseases, the family doctor does not have to report an existing infection. Because most people survive an infection mostly without permanent damage. However, the condition for this is that those affected stay in bed for at least two days and drink plenty. Caution is advised in infants, the chronically ill and elderly patients. These groups of patients should consult a doctor for severe cases of vomiting. Under circumstances, the fluid balance must then be compensated by infusions.

Naturopathy with diarrhea
In the article home remedy for diarrhea means of naturopathy are explained. After surviving illness, it is important, for example, to support the intestinal flora during regeneration. In no case should diarrhea-suppressing medicines be taken because diarrhea is a natural cleansing process of the body. That is why naturopathy relies on supportive means to strengthen the body's defense. (Sb)

Read about Norovirus:
Norovirus cases not uncommon
Norovirus infection? Around 40 children in the hospital
Noro virus on the rise?

Picture: tokamuwi