Norovirus is highly infectious and spreads easily from person to person. Both feces and vomit are infectious. The virus can survive on contaminated surfaces even after cleaning with some disinfectants.
People with norovirus are infectious for at least 3 days after the symptoms stop and on some occasions for up to 2 weeks.
How is it spread?
Norovirus can be spread in many ways:
- Consuming contaminated food or drinks
- Touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then putting your fingers in your mouth
- Having direct contact with an infected person (eg, by sharing food or eating from the same plate or cutlery)
- Through the air (when vomiting sends tiny particles into the air).
Treatment
There is no specific treatment or vaccination for norovirus. Dehydration is the main cause of serious illness.
- Drink plenty of fluids such as plain water and rehydration drinks.
- Don’t take medicine to stop vomiting or diarrhea (unless your doctor tells you to) as these will stop your body getting rid of the virus.
Prevention
These steps can help stop the virus spreading.
- Immediately remove and wash any contaminated clothes and bedding using detergent and hot water.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based disinfectant.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based gel.
Rotavirus is a highly infectious virus of the gut. It can range from a short period of mild, watery diarrhea to severe, dehydrating diarrhea with vomiting, fever and shock.
How it is spread?
The virus is spread by contact with the feces of an infected person. This can happen if people don’t wash their hands properly after going to the toilet or changing nappies.
Rotavirus can lead to severe dehydration that can be fatal if not treated.
Adults can catch rotavirus, but most will have no symptoms.
Treatment
If your child has rotavirus, the most important thing to do is prevent dehydration.
Prevention
Careful handwashing is important to stop the spread of rotavirus. Be aware that the virus can survive outside the body, so that hard surfaces, toys, utensils and other objects can become contaminated.
If your child has rotavirus, they should be kept home from school or early childhood services until they are well, with no further diarrhea or vomiting. This will help prevent the spread of rotavirus in your community.
Rotavirus vaccine is an oral (taken by mouth) vaccine available for babies from their 6 week.
【Reference】
http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/rotavirus
