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Norovirus diarrhea continues to spread rapidly - this is how protection works
In recent weeks, numerous gastrointestinal infections with vomiting diarrhea have been registered nationwide. They were triggered by Noroviruses. The highly infectious agents can be dangerous even after days. But there are ways and means to protect against infection.
Noroviruses are spreading
In various regions of Germany an unusually high prevalence of norovirus infections has been detected in recent weeks. Among others in Lower Saxony, in Bavaria and in the east of the republic. The gastrointestinal infections cause severe discomfort such as diarrhea and vomiting. In view of the rapid spread of Norovirus, experts are increasingly pointing to protective measures.
In Germany, more and more gastrointestinal infections are detected by Noroviruses. Infected usually it is very fast and violent. But you can also protect yourself from the dangerous pathogens. (Image: michaelheim / fotolia.com) Infection hits people surprisingly fast
An infection with Norovirus usually hits people surprisingly fast and violently. According to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), the disease suddenly begins with violent diarrhea, nausea and giddy vomiting.
In addition, there is often a strong sense of malady with muscle and abdominal pain, occasionally with mild fever and headache.
"The strong refractive diarrhea can quickly lead to a lack of fluid in the body, which can be noticeable by a pronounced weakness or dizziness," writes the BZgA. Most complaints resolve completely after one to two days.
Excreted viruses are contagious even after the symptoms have resolved
According to the experts, the disease usually breaks out quickly after infection, usually between six hours and two to a maximum of three days. Those affected are highly contagious with the onset of the disease signs.
Especially in the first two days many pathogens are eliminated with the stool. But even up to two weeks or in some cases even longer sufferers can excrete the virus and still be contagious, even if vomiting and diarrhea have already subsided.
Therefore, not only the sick, but also those who are no longer experiencing discomfort should keep their distance from other people.
Germs are transmitted via smear infection
Noroviruses are transmitted in most cases via a human-to-human smear infection. The pathogens are carried on the smallest traces of stool residues or vomit from patients on the hands, including on doorknobs and other objects. The viruses easily enter the mouth by hand.
Because of the high contagiousness of the diseases are mostly found in community facilities such as kindergartens, schools, nursing homes and hospitals. The winter months October to March are the main period for noroviruses.
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), ten to 100 particles are enough to spread the virus.
How to protect yourself
In order to prevent infection with the dangerous noroviruses, attention must be paid to conscientious hygiene. The best protection against infections is hand washing.
"This applies both to sick people, so they do not spread the virus, as well as for everyone else, so they do not get infected," writes the Department of Health and Environment (RGU) of the City of Munich. The Bavarian capital was recently hit by a strong wave of noroviruses.
Each towel should be used by one person only. In addition, household surfaces should be cleaned regularly and used cleaning cloths should be used only once if possible. Diseased people should not prepare food for others.
Ill should stay at home
Infected people should avoid crowding, stay at home, and cure the disease. It is also very important to drink a lot to compensate for the loss of fluid during vomiting diarrhea. There are no drugs for the treatment of viral infection. Antibiotics only work against bacteria and are completely ineffective against noroviruses.
Lemon juice is also a protection against infections. This works well against noroviruses, reported the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). (Ad)