What are the effective ways to treat norovirus?

Question

Hello doctor,

My son brought norovirus home from college and now our whole family is infected. He is 20 years old and came home with norovirus symptoms two days ago. It started with intense vomiting, then the diarrhea hit which is the classic norovirus pattern they say. Now myself, my husband, and my younger daughter all got norovirus too. Our bathroom situation with four people having norovirus is absolutely nightmarish. I tried to prevent norovirus from spreading but it was impossible in our small house. I am most worried about my husband who has IBS (inflammatory bowel syndrome). This norovirus is causing him extreme pain. My daughter is getting severely dehydrated from norovirus and cannot keep even ice chips down. Norovirus seems especially violent this time with fever spiking to 102°F and stomach cramps that make us scream. The college health center confirmed several norovirus cases in his dorm.

How do we manage this norovirus nightmare when everyone is sick at once?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Norovirus is a highly contagious, self-limiting infection. It can spread to all the members of a household with a single source of infection.

Dehydration could be serious if water intake is not maintained. Some signs of severe dehydration are lethargy or less activity than usual, pale and sunken eyes, cold hands or feet, faster breathing and heart rate, irritability, drowsiness, or confusion, dark yellow pee or less frequent urination and reduced skin elasticity. If any of these signs are seen in any family member, please go to ER (emergency room).

Advice

Take ORS (oral rehydration solution), increased fluid intake, and coconut water. Avoid sugary drinks.
Take anti-emetics like Ondensetron for vomiting and Imodium for diarrhea.
Take an anti-spasmodic like cyclopam.
Eat easy-to-digest food items like rice, soups, toast, and fruits.
Take yogurt to maintain normal gut flora.

For your husband, as he already has IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), he might have flared up symptoms of IBS along with extreme symptoms of norovirus infection. If he is on any immunotherapy, kindly withhold the therapy after consulting with your GI (gastro-intestinal) specialist.

I hope this answers your query.

Let me assist you further.

Thank you.