Medical Reviewing Editor: Frederick Hecht, MD, FAAP, FACMG
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the "stomach flu," or gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis), in people. The term norovirus was recently approved as the official name for this group of viruses. Several other names have been used for noroviruses, including:
Viruses are very different from bacteria and parasites, some of which can cause illnesses similar to norovirus infection. Like all viral infections, noroviruses are not affected by treatment with antibiotics, and cannot grow outside of a person's body.
Norovirus infection usually starts suddenly. The infected person often feels very sick with nausea and vomiting and watery non-bloody diarrhea with stomach cramps. Vomiting is more common in children than adults. Sometimes there is a low-grade fever. There may also be chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness.
Studies with volunteers have shown that as many as 30% of norovirus infections may be asymptomatic. These people are infected with the virus but have no symptoms (asymptomatic). The role of asymptomatic infection in the transmission of norovirus is not well understood. It is possible that people who seem well can transmit the virus.
Illness caused by norovirus infection has several names, including:
Find out what women really need.
 |
RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
Updated & New