can you get norovirus more than once

 

Causes

Noroviruses are highly contagious and are shed in the feces of infected humans and animals. You can get norovirus by:

• Eating contaminated food
• Drinking contaminated water
• Touching your hand to your mouth after your hand has been in contact with a contaminated surface or object
• Being in close contact with a person who has a norovirus infection

Noroviruses are difficult to kill off because they can withstand hot and cold temperatures and most disinfectants.

Risk factors

Risk factors for becoming infected with norovirus include:

• Eating in a place where food is handled improperly
• Attending preschool or a child care center
• Living in close quarters, such as in nursing homes
• Staying in hotels, resorts, cruise ships or other destinations with many people in close quarters
• Having contact with someone who has norovirus infection

Complications

For most people, norovirus infection usually clears up within a few days and isn't life-threatening. But in some people — especially children, older adults and people with compromised immune systems — norovirus infection can cause dehydration. Norovirus infection can cause severe dehydration, malnutrition and even death, especially in people who are older or immunocompromised, or in women who are pregnant.

Warning signs of dehydration include:

• Fatigue
• Dry mouth and throat
• Listlessness
• Dizziness
• Decreased urine output

Children who are dehydrated might cry with few or no tears. They might be unusually sleepy or fussy.

Prevention

Norovirus infection is highly contagious, and anyone can become infected more than once. To help prevent its spread:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper.
• Avoid contaminated food and water, including food that could have been prepared by someone who was sick.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
• Cook seafood thoroughly.
• Dispose of vomit and fecal matter carefully to avoid spreading norovirus by air. Soak up material with disposable towels, disturbing it as little as possible, and place it in plastic disposable bags.
• Disinfect surfaces that might have been contaminated. Use a chlorine bleach solution and wear gloves.
• Stay home from work, especially if your job involves handling food. You might be contagious for as long as three days after your symptoms end. Children should stay home from school or child care.
• Avoid traveling until your signs and symptoms are gone.