From the Guidelines
Norwalk virus (also known as norovirus) is not typically associated with a cough as a primary symptom, but it can occur in some cases, particularly if vomiting is severe and causes irritation to the throat or if the virus triggers a mild upper respiratory response. Norwalk virus primarily causes gastroenteritis with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever and headache 1. The illness typically resolves within 1-3 days, and treatment is supportive, focusing on preventing dehydration through oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte or homemade solutions (6 teaspoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 liter of water) 1. No specific antiviral medications exist for norovirus. If a cough is present and bothersome, over-the-counter cough suppressants may provide relief, but the primary focus should be on hydration and rest. Norwalk virus is highly contagious, so thorough handwashing and disinfection of surfaces are essential to prevent spread to others 1.
Key Points
- Norwalk virus primarily causes gastroenteritis with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever and headache
- A cough may occur in some cases, particularly if vomiting is severe and causes irritation to the throat or if the virus triggers a mild upper respiratory response
- Treatment for Norwalk virus is supportive, focusing on preventing dehydration through oral rehydration solutions
- No specific antiviral medications exist for norovirus
- Norwalk virus is highly contagious, so thorough handwashing and disinfection of surfaces are essential to prevent spread to others
Prevention and Control
- Thorough handwashing and disinfection of surfaces are essential to prevent spread to others
- Exclude ill staff in certain positions (e.g., food, child-care, and patient-care workers) until 48–72 hours after symptom resolution
- Isolate ill residents, patients, and passengers until 24–48 hours after symptom resolution in closed or institutional settings
- Reinforce effective preventive controls and employee practices (e.g., elimination of bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods and proper cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and surfaces) 1
From the Research
Association of Norwalk Virus with Cough
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that Norwalk virus (Norovirus) is associated with cough 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The symptoms of Norwalk virus infection commonly reported in the studies include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, but cough is not mentioned as a typical symptom 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The studies focus on the transmission, epidemiology, and clinical features of Norwalk virus infection, with an emphasis on its role in causing acute gastroenteritis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- While air-borne transmission of Norwalk virus is suggested in one study 3, there is no specific mention of cough as a symptom or a mode of transmission.
- The provided evidence suggests that Norwalk virus infection is primarily associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, and there is no clear link to respiratory symptoms like cough 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.