How to manage severe norovirus infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

Our entire household (six people) has been violently sick for three days with non-stop vomiting and diarrhea. It started with my four-year-old, then spread to everyone. My biggest concern is my 76-year-old father, who has heart failure; he is extremely weak, barely conscious at times, and his lips are cracked and blue. He has been taking his heart medication, but he immediately throws it back up. We have tried Pedialyte and ginger ale, but nothing stays down.

The bathroom situation is catastrophic; someone is always in there. My husband lost eight pounds in two days. I called urgent care, but they said to just ride it out unless someone gets dehydrated.

How do I know if we have reached that point? Should I take my dad to the emergency room (ER)? Also, I am supposed to return to work tomorrow (I am a preschool teacher). Is it safe, or could I still be contagious?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Take your father to the emergency room (ER) as he has signs of danger, and he is elderly with heart failure. Danger signs are:

Extremely weak.
Confusion.
Cyanosed.
Risk of dehydration.
Electrolyte imbalance.
Arrhythmias.
Cardiac decompensation.

For the rest of the household:

Most normal individuals can recover on their own from the norovirus, but still, you should know about red flags like:

Decreased or no urine output.
Dark urine.
Vomiting.
High-grade fever.
Dizziness.
Blood in stools or vomit.

I advise you to do the following:

Rest and isolate.
Stay hydrated.
Use oral rehydration solution (ORS).
Take a soft diet.

Do take your father to the emergency room (ER) as soon as possible.

Kindly consult a specialist doctor, talk with them, and take medications with their consent.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.