The high prevalence of norovirus in children has placed a burden worldwide. A type of viral gastroenteritis, it starts with an acute stomach ache and leads to watery diarrhoea. Though it may seem like food poisoning, norovirus is a distinct type of gastrointestinal infection. The biggest problem is that it is highly contagious. There is no need to panic, though. The illness is manageable and contained with a prompt diagnosis, informed treatment, and suitable preventive measures.
As a leading gastroenterology clinic in Kolkata, we at LivGastro have received at least 375 cases of “stomach flu” in toddlers and primary school kids between the ages of 2 and 6 during the winter seasons of December ‘23 and January ‘24. Over 85% of the patients were cases of norovirus.
Dr. Vijay Kumar Rai is one of the most reputed gastroenterology doctors in Kolkata. He and his medical team have been actively involved in raising awareness about norovirus and other common “stomach flu” viruses like adenovirus and rotavirus. Staying informed and seeking proper medical attention and preventive measures at the right time will protect your child from getting infected.
Norovirus is often called gastroenteritis, but this is not correct. Because norovirus is a virus—with positive-stranded RNA. It causes the condition of gastroenteritis. It is not the disease itself. The acute symptoms of norovirus are a combination of illnesses—watery diarrhoea, vomiting and intestinal infection.
Now, for many parents, it may not be their first thought to raid the internet with “the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata near me” searches just because their child has a little stomach upset. However, it is more important at the moment to seek medical attention more promptly since norovirus is not an ordinary “stomach upset.” It is highly contagious and, thus, more vital to contain the spread of the disease.
Also called the “winter vomiting virus,” since it is more common during the winter and exposure to cold temperatures, norovirus may spread via direct contact with contaminated food, water or objects. The core symptoms can also be accompanied by supplementary issues of cold, coughing, respiratory problems and, less commonly, fever.
It is now a common scenario in several preschools in Kolkata that pupils are falling sick. As a leading gastroenterologist in Beliaghata Kolkata, Dr. Rai often gets inquiries from schools and daycare facilities in the city for student health checks to manage the prevalence of norovirus.
We will do our best to bring quality gastric healthcare closer to everyone, while parents, teachers and guardians must understand the seriousness of the matter and prevent the spread of the virus. Be a careful guard against typical “child behaviour” that makes your little ones vulnerable to the disease. Below are some of the most logical explanations as to why children might be a hard target for norovirus.
Fecal-Oral Transmission: Norovirus is most commonly spread in children through fecal-oral transmission. Whether in daycares, creches or homes with multiple children, it may happen through uncautious diaper-changing routines, diaper leakage or even the disposal of soiled clothes or diapers. When children have diarrhoea or vomit, it may contaminate surfaces, objects and clothes. In the process, other children may come into direct contact with the contamination while simply touching the contaminated surfaces. Parents or carers may come into direct contact with the virus while cleaning faeces and vomit and caring for the child and be carriers of the virus, especially when they haven’t yet washed their hands well after the cleanup.
Dehydration: It is common for children to forget about drinking water while playing. Because of this high level of physical exertion, they frequently experience dehydration and a weakened immune response to the virus.
Personal Hygiene Risks: Children have this common tendency to put their hands in their mouths. It bears the risk of getting tiny particles of faeces or vomit in their system from a person infected with norovirus or from contaminated objects or surfaces that they have earlier touched.
Environment: Children are more exposed to shared environments, such as at home with siblings, at school or at the playground. Through habitual acts of sharing toys, books, food and while playing, there is a heightened scope for fecal-oral transmission or close contact with infected persons to spread the disease in children.
We can treat the symptoms of gastroenteritis and there are vaccinations available for it. We can manage diarrhoea, stomach aches and other symptoms of norovirus with medication. However, there is no direct treatment available for norovirus at the moment. The best protection against the virus is prevention. Below are some of the indications:
Hygiene: Anyone who handles children, including parents, teachers and carers, must be more cautious about maintaining hygiene. Perhaps take it to the next level and be more careful when handling multiple children. Wash hands more attentively while changing diapers or cleaning the infected vomit and poop of children. Toys, door knobs, floors, countertops, sinks and toilets are frequently touched surfaces that need to be disinfected with strong cleaners.
Food Prep: Avoid the consumption of uncooked or raw shellfish, and also wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption. Proper food handling, preparation, and storage can also prevent food contamination with norovirus.
Isolation: Children need to play, go to school and interact with family to a greater level than adults, this makes isolating them more challenging. However, it is an important step to contain the infection. Consult a medical professional for more personalised guidance; usually, the first 48 hours are most critical for isolation.
Norovirus vaccinations are undergoing the preliminary stages of evacuation, but there are over three different types of rotavirus vaccines available in India. They are mandated by the Indian government for infants at six weeks, followed by a second dose at 10 weeks and a third dose at 14 weeks.
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