When Should I Seek Medical Help for Norovirus Symptoms?
I'm a 20-year-old female, weighing 150 pounds and standing at 4'11". My medical history includes asthma, anxiety, and depression, for which I'm using an inhaler as necessary and taking 50 mg of Zoloft daily. Last night marked the onset of norovirus symptoms for me. I've experienced severe vomiting, throwing up around ten times so far, and bouts of diarrhea that occur every time I visit the restroom, totaling approximately thirteen visits. Currently, I'm struggling to retain any food or drinks. I’ve been attempting to nibble on some crackers and take sips of water every 20 to 30 minutes, but I end up vomiting almost immediately afterward. I'm feeling quite dehydrated and have a strong desire for water, but my body won’t allow me to keep it down. Additionally, I’m extremely hungry, yet even the smallest bites of crackers make me feel nauseous. I'm uncertain about when to seek medical attention for dehydration. Online opinions vary; some suggest waiting it out, while others have ended up receiving treatment in the hospital due to dehydration. I also have a concern regarding my boyfriend, who lives with me. It seems likely he will also catch the norovirus. Once he contracts it, how worried should I be about getting it back from him? I’m aware of the importance of maintaining hand hygiene, abstaining from hand sanitizer, flushing with the lid down, and disinfecting surfaces with bleach. Thanks for your guidance! :)
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 5:31:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
Given your experience with severe vomiting and diarrhea consistent with norovirus, it's essential to monitor your symptoms closely, especially considering the risk of dehydration.
Main Points to Consider:
- Significant vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which may require medical attention.
- Effective hydration is crucial, and there are strategies to help manage your symptoms.
- Transmission of norovirus is highly contagious, and maintaining hygiene is key.
Explanation
Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to your current symptoms. Since you have vomited and had frequent diarrhea, this increases your risk of dehydration, which can be serious if not addressed promptly. Symptoms of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, little to no urination, dizziness, and feeling faint.
Next Steps
-
Hydration: Focus on rehydration:
- Try sipping on oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte) or clear broths in very small amounts (1-2 teaspoons every 10 minutes), rather than water, as these solutions help replenish electrolytes.
- Avoid solid foods until vomiting decreases. Start with bland foods like toast or rice only once you can hold down liquids.
-
Monitor for Dehydration: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of severe dehydration (persistent dry mouth, little or no urine output, feeling very dizzy or lightheaded).
- If vomiting and diarrhea continue for more than 48 hours without improvement, or you are unable to keep any liquids down for several hours.
-
Preventing Transmission: As for your boyfriend:
- Ensure he practices good hand hygiene, especially after using the restroom and before eating.
- Continue disinfecting surfaces, and encourage him to avoid sharing personal items.
- If he does contract it, the risk of you catching it again is low if proper hygiene is maintained, but be vigilant about handwashing and sanitizing shared spaces.
Please take care, stay hydrated, and know it’s perfectly fine to seek medical attention if you feel your symptoms are worsening. If you have any further questions or need additional support, feel free to reach out!
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