Norovirus: The "two-bucket" winter bug

WHAT IS NOROVIRUS?

- Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a viral agent that causes acute gastroenteritis (gastro) in adults and children

- Sometimes dubbed the "two-bucket disease", it is highly contagious and spreads rapidly

- Spikes of norovirus usually occur in winter when people spend more time indoors

- About 5000 people with gastro have inundated NSW hospital emergency rooms in the past three weeks

SYMPTOMS

- Highly explosive diarrhoea, projectile vomiting and generally feeling unwell

- Appear within 12-24 hours of contracting norovirus

- Lasts two to four days

TREATMENT

- Keep hydrated due to fluid loss and to avoid headaches

- Focus on electrolyte recovery but avoid sugary drinks

- Affected individuals should try to isolate themselves

PREVENTION

- Steer clear of infected patients

- Maintain high standards of hygiene

- Currently no vaccine or antivirals to take during an outbreak

(Source: University of Melbourne Associate Professor Jason Mackenzie - Doherty Institute)