Can a doctor treat norovirus infection on Laso MD?

Absolutely. In most cases, a doctor from Laso MD can provide a diagnosis for norovirus by evaluating your condition and discussing your symptoms. Additional testing may be recommended to rule out other causes.

 

Can I get a prescription on Laso MD?

Certainly. Our physicians can prescribe medication online during your consultation. Upon accepting a prescription, you have the flexibility to either pick it up from any pharmacy or have it delivered to your door at no additional cost.

 

What is norovirus infection?

Noroviruses are recognized as the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis.

Norovirus infection triggers sudden inflammation and irritation in the stomach and intestines, commonly associated with food poisoning and prevalent during the winter months.

Symptoms typically emerge within 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last 1 to 3 days. With numerous types of noroviruses, there is no immunity for those who have had it before.

 

What are the symptoms of norovirus infection?

Common norovirus symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or watery stool
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Fever
• Headache
• General discomfort
• Muscle aches

 

What causes infection with a norovirus?

Norovirus infections result from consuming contaminated food or water, close contact with an infected person, and hand-to-mouth contact after touching contaminated objects or surfaces.

The virus is present in the stool and vomit of infected individuals. Transmission can occur through direct contact or via tiny particles of vomit or stool landing on surfaces. Norovirus is not considered an airborne disease.

 

How is norovirus infection treated?

Typically, norovirus resolves on its own within 24 to 72 hours, depending on your immune system’s health and the severity of the infection.

As there is no direct treatment for norovirus, bed rest and ample fluid intake are recommended to prevent dehydration and allow the body to heal naturally.

 

How can norovirus infection be prevented?

Norovirus prevention measures include:

• Thoroughly cooking seafood
• Washing fruits and vegetables before preparation
• Proper disposal of vomit and fecal matter
• Avoiding crowded areas
• Steering clear of potentially contaminated food and water
• Disinfecting surfaces prone to contamination
• Handwashing with care

If you suspect norovirus infection, stay home to prevent spreading it to others.

 

How does norovirus spread?

Due to its high contagion, norovirus transmission often occurs in densely populated places or settings with frequent close encounters, such as:

• Schools
• Nursing homes
• Sporting events
• Concerts and live theaters
• Cruise ships

Transmission happens through direct contact or via tiny particles of vomit or stool on surfaces.

 

What is the difference between norovirus and rotavirus?

The primary differences between rotavirus and norovirus lie in the infection duration, the typical affected demographic, and potential complications. Both result from fecal-oral contamination involving infected stool. Determining the virus based on symptoms alone may be challenging since they share similarities.

Rotavirus symptoms typically last three to eight days, while norovirus symptoms typically last less than three days. Rotavirus commonly affects children under five, whereas norovirus is more prevalent in adults. A vaccine is available for rotavirus, while the numerous types of noroviruses make a vaccine impractical.

Additionally, a child who recovers from rotavirus may develop immunity, while norovirus can cause repeated infections.

 

What is the difference between norovirus and food poisoning?

While both affect the stomach and intestines, the primary distinction between norovirus and food poisoning is the quicker recovery time of norovirus, typically within 24 to 72 hours.

Food poisoning may also exhibit additional symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea, not commonly seen in norovirus cases.

Both can result from ingesting contaminated food or water or through hand-to-mouth contact without proper handwashing.

 

What is the difference between norovirus and a stomach bug?

Although norovirus is sometimes referred to as a “stomach bug,” this term often encompasses various food-borne illnesses.

While a “stomach bug” might turn out to be a norovirus infection, numerous food-borne and gastrointestinal illnesses share similar symptoms. Therefore, experiencing a stomach bug does not necessarily indicate a norovirus infection.

If you suspect norovirus symptoms, a doctor from Laso MD can help determine the actual cause of your illness.

 

Is norovirus infection the flu?

No, norovirus is not the flu.

The influenza virus primarily infects the respiratory system, causing fever, chills, aches, and pains.

Norovirus, on the other hand, infects the stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping or pain.

 

How long does norovirus infection last without treatment?

Typically, norovirus symptoms last between one to three days without treatment. Recovery speed may be influenced by your immune system’s health.

If vomiting and diarrhea persist after 72 hours, consult with a doctor on Laso MD for further testing or treatment.

 

What is Laso MD?

With Laso MD, you can promptly consult with a doctor about your symptoms. We are a healthcare platform providing fast, convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

Simply log in, request a consultation with a tap of a button, and we’ll connect you to a doctor through live chat or video. Explore more about our services on our How it Works page.

Our doctors can assess symptoms and provide necessary treatments, including prescriptions as needed.