From the Guidelines
There is no specific antiviral treatment for norovirus G2 infection, and management focuses on supportive care to reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life. The most recent and highest quality study 1 emphasizes the importance of supportive care in managing norovirus infections. This includes maintaining hydration through oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte or homemade solutions (1 teaspoon salt, 8 teaspoons sugar in 1 liter of water) to prevent dehydration, which is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. Severe dehydration may require intravenous fluids in a healthcare setting. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage fever and body aches, but it is crucial to avoid anti-diarrheal medications unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider, as they can prolong the infection and worsen outcomes. Rest is essential while recovering, and the illness is typically self-limiting, lasting 1-3 days in most people.
Prevention is crucial since the virus is highly contagious, and key measures include:
- Practicing thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, as highlighted in 1 and 1, to reduce the transmission of norovirus and other pathogens.
- Disinfecting contaminated surfaces with bleach-based cleaners, as recommended in 1, to reduce environmental contamination.
- Avoiding preparing food for others while sick and for at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve to prevent foodborne transmission.
Norovirus spreads through the fecal-oral route and is resistant to many common disinfectants, making proper hygiene and cleaning practices particularly important in reducing the risk of transmission and subsequent morbidity and mortality. By following these guidelines, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting norovirus G2 and minimize the impact of the infection on their quality of life.
From the Research
Treatments for Norovirus G2
- The treatment strategies for norovirus gastroenteritis include nitazoxanide, ribavirin, and enterally administered immunoglobulin, although the results vary 2.
- For immunocompromised patients, norovirus gastroenteritis can last for several years, leading to severe malnutrition, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and continuous viral shedding 2.
- Favipiravir is also suggested as a potential treatment, but it has not been tested on humans, highlighting the need for further research 2.
- Oral rehydration therapy is effective in treating dehydration caused by viral gastroenteritis, including norovirus, and can be as effective as intravenous fluid therapy for children with mild-to-moderate dehydration 3.
- Ondansetron, a serotonin receptor antagonist, has been shown to reduce rotavirus- and norovirus-induced vomiting and diarrhea, facilitating oral rehydration and possibly accelerating recovery 4.
- A randomized, controlled trial found that Pedialyte, Gatorade, and a New Oral Rehydration Solution (N-ORS) were effective in treating dehydration in adults with viral gastroenteritis, with no significant differences between the three solutions 5.
Prevention and Control Measures
- There are no specific control measures against norovirus, and common practices such as hand washing are used to prevent its transmission 6.
- The development of an effective norovirus vaccine is ongoing, with several candidates undergoing clinical trials, including the HIL-214 candidate, which has shown promise 3, 6.