How long can norovirus symptoms last?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am writing about my 19-year-old daughter, whose entire dorm floor is sick with norovirus. She has been vomiting every 30 minutes for the past 12 hours, and cannot even keep water down. Her roommate passed out in the bathroom from dehydration yesterday and had to receive IV fluids. The campus health center is overwhelmed with cases. My daughter is experiencing painful stomach cramps and feels dizzy when standing. I have also noticed her hands shaking, and her lips appearing dry. Should we take her to the emergency room or wait it out?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Symptoms like vomiting, multiple episodes of loose stools, and abdominal pain could be indicative of a bacterial or viral gastrointestinal infection.

Some complications of gastrointestinal infections include dehydration, lethargy, and more. Dehydration can become serious if water intake is not maintained.

Signs of severe dehydration include:

Lethargy or reduced activity.
Pale and sunken eyes.
Cold hands or feet.
Faster breathing, and heart rate.
Irritability, drowsiness, or confusion.
Dark yellow urine or less frequent urination.
Reduced skin elasticity.

If any of these signs are observed, please take your daughter to the emergency room. If, after maintaining hydration, she feels better, you can wait.

As you mentioned norovirus, it can be confirmed with a stool examination.

Investigations to be done:

Complete blood count.
Stool examination if symptoms persist.

Treatment plan:

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) to prevent dehydration.
Antibiotics or antivirals after confirming whether the infection is bacterial or viral.

Preventive measures:

Maintaining good hygiene, such as regular hand washing.
Properly cooking meat and vegetables.
Cleaning food thoroughly before cooking.

Thank you for using iCliniq, and have a nice day.

Please let me know if you want some help.

Thank you.