When to seek medical care for norovirus infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

A violent stomach bug has hit our cruise ship, and they are saying it is norovirus. My husband and I have both been vomiting for 48 hours straight, and we are quarantined in our cabin. The ship’s medical center is overwhelmed, and the crew leaves food outside our door, but we cannot keep anything down. We still have three days at sea before returning to port, and I am terrified of getting dehydrated while stuck in the middle of the ocean. I have been taking Imodium, but I am still having accidents. We are otherwise healthy adults, but I am worried about how dangerous this could get. At what point does this become an emergency? The ship’s doctor seems dismissive of my concerns. What kind of care or support should we be demanding from the medical staff right now?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Norovirus is a highly contagious infection, but it usually resolves on its own within four to five days. However, it can easily spread to others, even if only one person is infected. The main concern is dehydration, especially if you are unable to drink enough fluids. Warning signs of severe dehydration include feeling very tired or less active than usual, pale or sunken eyes, cold hands or feet, fast breathing or heartbeat, confusion, drowsiness or irritability, dark yellow urine or urinating less often, and skin that does not bounce back quickly when pinched. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.

To manage symptoms, drink plenty of fluids or oral rehydration solution (ORS), and avoid sugary drinks. If available, take anti-vomiting medication like ondansetron, and only use Imodium for diarrhea if it is advised. You can also take an anti-spasmodic like Cyclopam for stomach cramps. Try to eat soft, easy-to-digest foods such as rice, soup, toast, and fruits, and include yogurt to help restore gut health.

To prevent the spread of the virus, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cook meat and vegetables thoroughly, and wash all food before cooking. It is also important to disinfect any surfaces that may have come into contact with the virus. When cleaning, wear gloves and start by washing the area with soap and water to remove dirt. Then disinfect using a bleach solution (1/3 cup bleach in one gallon of water), allowing it to sit for five to ten minutes before wiping with paper towels or disposable cloths. Wash contaminated clothes, towels, or bedding in hot water (at least 60°C or 140°F), and add bleach if safe for the fabric. Dispose of used gloves and cleaning materials in a sealed bag and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

During the next three days on the ship, it is crucial to stay isolated and focus on staying hydrated. If you or your husband shows any signs of dehydration, insist on getting medical attention immediately, even if the ship’s medical staff seems dismissive.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.