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Norovirus vs. Coronavirus - The Viral Battle

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Norovirus is a contagious stomach infection, whereas Coronavirus is a respiratory illness. Read this article to learn about the similarities and differences.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Nagaraj

Published At February 22, 2023
Reviewed AtMarch 8, 2023

Introduction

Norovirus is a member of the Caliciviridae viral family and is a nonenveloped virus with a single-strand RNA as its core genetic material. This virus forms the bulk load of etiology of acute gastrointestinal illnesses on a global scale survey. Coronavirus or COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious pandemic-scale illness characterized by severe acute respiratory syndrome and other systemic clinical features.

A study to evaluate the similarities and differences between the virus was introduced following a norovirus outbreak during a peak of COVID in the United Kingdom in mid-October 2021. The healthcare system, already stretched too thin beyond the expected limits, an additional outbreak of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis got more overburdened and posed serious health, economic, and social burdens on the world population.

What Are the Similarities Between Norovirus and Coronavirus?

Norovirus and coronavirus exhibit certain similarities, which prompted the studies' initiation to determine the differences. The similarities include the following:

  1. High body temperature in both viruses' clinical features.

  2. Gastrointestinal difficulties in both cases.

  3. It can spread through contact with infected people or surfaces.

  4. Handwashing and disinfecting surfaces can rail in the spread.

  5. No natural cure for either virus.

  6. Presence of several variants.

  7. Highly contagious nature of both viruses.

What Are the Differences Between Norovirus and Coronavirus?

Both viruses are highly contagious in prepping respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses; the situation turns grave when they coexist in a patient, which was noted in the months following the corresponding study. Despite their similarities, certain differences exist in terms of the symptomatic nuances, mode of transmission, the persistence of illness, overall public health impact, etc.

1. Symptomatic Differences:

Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug causing stomach and intestinal inflammation, also known as gastroenteritis. The most common symptoms include:

  • Nausea.

  • Vomiting.

  • Diarrhea.

  • Stomach pain or cramps.

  • Low-grade fever.

  • A general feeling of illness.

First identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, coronavirus is a respiratory illness caused by the COVID-19 virus, which is characterized by flu-like symptoms, including the following symptoms:

  • Fever.

  • Cough.

  • Breathing difficulties.

  • Muscle aches.

  • Loss of taste or smell.

  • Fatigue.

2. The Difference in Mode of Transmission:

Norovirus, as mentioned, is highly contagious and usually spreads through contaminated food and water, close contact with an infected individual, or from a contaminated surface (touching the said surface and then transferring the viruses to the face). Therefore, the virus mostly spreads in closed communities.

Coronavirus is highly contagious, and the transmission rate is fast, spreading through respiratory droplets carrying a truckload of viruses. The illness spreads through these respiratory droplets produced when an infected individual talks, coughs, or sneezes. The droplets linger in the air for almost an hour, even after the individual has left the premises. A sneeze or cough can also infect an individual up to 23 to 27 feet away. The infected droplets tend to settle on surfaces and can spread by contacting the surfaces and the face.

3. The Difference in Severity:

The viruses, although contagious, differ in their severity and fatality. Norovirus symptoms are very discomforting and unpleasant but do not show any life-threatening instances. On the other hand, COVID-19 has been responsible for severe illness and millions of deaths worldwide, especially in those with an underlying health condition or of an older age group.

4. The Difference in Impact on Public Health:

Norovirus spread is mostly seen in close-knit communities and places where individuals gather regularly, like schools, colleges, cruise ships, hospitable, community centers, etc. Whereas coronavirus is responsible for crippling the world's time and economy. Coronavirus is one of the deadliest pandemic illnesses responsible for millions of deaths and a global quarantine. Highly infectious in close quarters, the disease started in a small Chinese city and reached all nooks of the globe, bringing the healthcare structure, even in the most developed countries, to its knees. The pandemic affected all communities, of all sizes, on every street of the world.

5. The Difference in Preventive and Treatment Measures:

There is no absolute cure for both norovirus and coronavirus. Regarding management protocols, norovirus symptoms may be effectively managed with rest, hydration, and OTC (over-the-counter) medications. At the same time, no listed protocol for coronavirus symptom management exists. The unsaid rule is to manage the symptoms as they come. This is partly due to the range of dissimilarities in clinical features, even among affected individuals of the same family.

6. The Difference in Healthcare Response:

Norovirus outbreaks may be managed with comparatively smaller-scale quarantine and isolation measures, followed by intensive care concerning cleaning and disinfection protocols. As the world witnessed, COVID outbreaks require a heavy reinforcement of healthcare response. Sometimes, a county's entire economic construction must be restructured to cater to the outbreak. This includes, as per need, vaccination penetration, rampant testing, travel restriction, contact tracing, and isolation measures.

7. The Difference in Vaccination:

The World Health Organisation has noted the need for urgency for a norovirus vaccine since 2016, and studies, research, and trials are underway to achieve a breakthrough. As of February 2023, four different norovirus vaccines are under clinical trial by four different pharmaceutical companies, which is a positive sign. During the initial days of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations worldwide quickly realized the need for vaccines. The entire process, from development to vaccine campaign, was expedited with funds and relaxation of acceptance criteria. As a result, the clinical trials were speeded up, and the quest to achieve maximum vaccine penetration was initiated.

8. The Difference in Prognosis:

Norovirus symptoms are often self-limiting, resolving independently in a few days. Only a few individuals with probable debilitating illnesses tend to develop symptoms of certain severity that require medical attention. Coronavirus needs a more comprehensive approach. The individuals' vaccination status, age, predisposition, underlying illness, and immunity determine the prognosis. Alternatively, long-COVID is another case that hampers the quest to establish an accurate prognostic study.

Conclusion

Although organizations, world leaders, and governments do a lot to break the chain of viral spreads, it is up to one to manage one's behavior to prevent further outbreaks. While norovirus may be managed with self-care and self-isolation, coronavirus needs constant monitoring as the symptoms can rapidly deteriorate. Hand hygiene protocol and quarantine measures play a major role in management. It is also essential to keep in touch with healthcare professionals or dedicated healthcare helplines to rapidly ensure professional care in emergencies.

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Dr. Nagaraj
Dr. Nagaraj

Diabetology

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