In an article on KUT News (NPR), Jacob A. Childers, MD, Chief Medical Director of NormanMD, a virtual urgent care service powered by Austin Regional Clinic (ARC), talked about the recent rise in norovirus cases.
Norovirus, or the stomach bug, is known to cause severe nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Dr. Childers said it is not common to test for the virus, but symptoms are distinctive and can lead to severe dehydration, putting some patients at risk.
If someone suspects they have norovirus, Dr. Childers suggests staying hydrated with electrolytes and seeing a doctor if symptoms become severe.
"You want to just be steadily sipping on hydrating fluids. Drinks that contain electrolytes, like sports drinks, tend to be absorbed more quickly and stay inside your vascular system longer. If you're having so much nausea, vomiting, diarrhea that you just can't get caught up on fluids, that's when it makes sense to talk to a doctor," said Dr. Childers.
Symptoms typically last for about one to two days, but if you contract the virus, you may be contagious for longer. The virus can also remain in stool for up to two weeks, making it extremely important to keep your spaces clean and wash your hands after using the bathroom.
To prevent yourself from catching norovirus, Dr. Childers suggests washing your hands with soap and water. He also recommends using bleach and household cleaning if you suspect someone in your household has the illness.
About Dr. Childers
Jacob A. Childers, MD, is the Chief Medical Director of NormanMD and specializes in Family Medicine and Urgent Care for same-day illness and injury visits. He also sees patients at ARC Far West.
Learn more about NormanMD
NormanMD is an urgent care telemedicine service powered by Austin Regional Clinic (ARC), giving you 24/7 on-demand access to urgent care—from anywhere in Texas.
Within minutes, NormanMD connects you to a doctor or advanced practice clinician (APC) who can diagnose and treat common urgent care symptoms and give medical advice—including over-the-counter and prescription medications—right from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Features include instant messaging, video visits on a secure platform, and sending visit notes to your primary care physician or APC. You can gain access to NormanMD as an individual subscriber or as a paid benefit through some employer groups or health plans. For more information, visit www.normanmd.com.