04/11/2025
Dear friends & customers careful with NOROVIRUS outbreak in coastal bend area especially parents of school aged children.
Norovirus treatment focuses on managing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, as there's no specific cure. Rest, staying hydrated with clear fluids, and avoiding foods that irritate the stomach are key, and seeking medical attention is important if dehydration or severe symptoms develop.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Symptom Management:
Rest: Allow your body to recover.
Hydration: Drink plenty of clear fluids like water, electrolyte drinks, or broth to combat dehydration, which is a major concern, especially for young children and the elderly.
Diet:
Avoid: Milk, dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, ni****ne, and fatty or highly seasoned foods for a few days.
Start with: Bland foods like crackers, toast, or broth-based soups after you can keep down liquids.
Slowly reintroduce: A regular diet as tolerated.
Over-the-counter medications:
Diarrhea: Adults can consider over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) to slow down diarrhea, but consult a doctor before giving them to children.
Anti-nausea medications: If vomiting is severe, your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medication.
2. When to Seek Medical Attention:
Signs of dehydration: Dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
Inability to keep down fluids: If you can't keep down fluids, especially after 24 hours, seek medical attention.
Severe symptoms: Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, high fever, or bloody diarrhea.
Vulnerable individuals: Older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems should seek medical advice sooner.
If symptoms persist: If your symptoms don't improve within a few days, or if they worsen, consult a doctor.
3. Prevention and Hygiene:
Wash your hands frequently: Especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after contact with someone who is sick.
Clean and disinfect surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
Avoid contact with sick individuals: If you suspect you have norovirus, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the virus.
Thoroughly cook food: Especially shellfish, and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
Handle vomit and stool carefully: Wear gloves when cleaning up vomit or stool, and dispose of soiled items properly.
Avoid preparing food for others: If you are sick with norovirus, avoid preparing food for others until you are no longer contagious.
Wait at least 2 days after symptoms stop: before returning to work, school, or other activities.
Source: Gemini AI
https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html #:~:text=Treatment%20and%20recovery,they%20fight%20bacteria%2C%20not%20viruses.
Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States.