Best Exercises/Activities For Norovirus Infection

Norovirus infection is a common stomach infection induced by a virus named norovirus. It is also known as stomach flu or winter vomiting disease. It usually affects immunocompromised people who are exposed to this virus in a closed and crowded environment. It is caused by contaminated food and water. It is represented by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and sometimes abdominal pain. In severe cases, the symptoms are accompanied by fever, body ache, lethargy, and loss of taste. It heals on its own without any medical treatment in most cases.

Norovirus is an infectious agent that causes stomach flu leading to gastroenteritis. Its symptoms involve diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes pain in the stomach. CDC states, the symptoms of stomach flu also include headache, body aches, fever, nausea, and chills.⁽¹⁾ It is a contagious disease spread through contaminated food or water. It may also develop if a person comes in close contact with an infected person.⁽²⁾

Norovirus infection affects people who have recently visited closed and crowded areas like nursing homes, hospitals, child care centers, schools, and cruise ships. People who have a weak immune system are more likely to be affected by this infection. The infection is a common viral infection. It spreads from one person to another who comes in contact with each other. If an infected person touches raw food, even cooked food with bare hands, then the food becomes contaminated. It also spreads through feces, air droplets, or contaminated surfaces.⁽²⁾

Norovirus infection is a self-limiting ailment that goes on its own is usually one to three days. It also has a good prognosis.⁽²⁾ This infection causes diarrhea and vomiting that causes loss of fluids from the body. In severe infections, it may cause dehydration in the body. Mild dehydration can be managed by consuming lots of water or other liquids. However, no specific medicine is needed for the treatment of the ailment. Most people get rid of the illness without any medical treatment.⁽¹⁾

On the other hand, it leads to fatigue, dehydration, and tiredness. In such a situation, one should rest and reduce physical activities as much possible. Physical activities to be done for norovirus infection are dependent on the severity and duration of illness.⁽¹⁾

When norovirus infection has affected you, then it becomes essential to rest your body. According to Dr. Susan A. Werner, MD, relaxing the body enables the immune system to work at a faster speed with maximum capacity. It becomes crucial to ease the stress on the body and mind both. He also emphasizes on the rest while recovering from any illness. Research studies reveal that exercising during an infection or stomach flu may exacerbate the disease or delay the recovery process as it may weaken the immune system by utilizing the energy during physical activities.⁽¹⁾ Exercises may extend the sickness to a longer period. Too much exercising during an illness may affect your recovery process.⁽¹⁾

According to an article published in Cornell health, the immune system can be boasted with having a balanced diet, enough sleep, reducing stress, and proper physical activities. It would help to prevent stomach flu and other infections. According to a research paper published in Exercise Immunology Review, exercises should be limited to low to moderate in volume and intensity to have a healthy body. Excessive heavy training may subsequently strain your muscles and bones, resulting in injury or illness.⁽¹⁾

Conclusion

Norovirus infection is marked by loss of fluids from the body due to frequent diarrhea and vomiting. In severe conditions, it may cause severe dehydration. Physical activities or exercises are not recommended in norovirus infection as the immune system cannot handle stress and may delay the recovery process. However, regular exercise and other healthy lifestyle modifications may help to prevent this infection.

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Best Exercises/Activities For Norovirus Infection