How to manage norovirus with diabetes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a question about norovirus. My uncle, who is 58, has diabetes, and he got hit with really bad vomiting and diarrhea yesterday. He is barely drinking anything because he says it makes him wanna throw up. He is also getting dizzy when he stands up. We think it is norovirus because his coworker had it last week. Do we need to get him tested, or is it just assumed? Also, how long is he contagious?

He is on Insulin but not eating. Do not wanna mess up his sugar levels but also do not want him to get high ketones. Also, is this thing airborne or only spread by touch? Need to know how careful we got to be. Any special diet he should follow while recovering? Thanks for any advice, just want to make sure we handle this right.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Dehydration can cause hypotension, giddiness, weakness, and vomiting. So, give him plenty of liquids or IV (intravenous) fluids if cardiac involvement is not present. Get it done- stool examination, stool culture with stool panel of tests for infectious diseases. Use probiotics and ORS (oral rehydration solution) sachets mixed with water, and oral feeding may be helpful. If the patient develops a dry tongue, cold peripheries, decreased urine output, or severe vomiting, then take him to a nearby hospital immediately.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.