How Long Does Norovirus Live On Fabric & Do Babies Get Norovirus?

Norovirus infection may lead to the sudden onset of diarrhea and vomiting in their severe forms. The virus is of contagious type and often spreads from contaminated water or food sources. Also, the virus spreads from water or food, which becomes contaminated at the time of preparation. Besides, you may suffer infection via close contact with an infected individual.

In most of the cases, infected individuals suffer from abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting problems after only 12 hours to 48 hours of the exposure. These symptoms last for a maximum of three days, while many people recover easily and completely without any treatment. However, in infants and babies, diarrhea and vomiting may result in severe dehydration, because of which such patients need immediate medical attention.⁽¹⁾

Norovirus often survives for many days or even weeks on fabrics and other hard surfaces. Whenever a person vomits with norovirus infection, it leads to the spreading of the virus. Because of this, you have to clean the surfaces thoroughly if you have any individual at home suffering from norovirus infection.

You may remove most of the bugs effectively by applying water and soap. However, to prevent the spread of norovirus stomach bug, you should make sure washing your hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after you go to the toilet.

Besides, you should prepare food safely. Especially, to deal with the survival of norovirus on fabrics, you should wash the contaminated products at about 60 degree Celsius or 100 degree Fahrenheit and by applying a bleach type of laundry product.⁽²⁾

Yes, norovirus infection is common in babies and infants, as the infection is a contagious one and spreads at a higher rate, while infants and babies both have a weak immune system.

• Sudden feeling sickness combined with vomiting forcefully
• Watery diarrhea

Along with the aforementioned symptoms, a few of the babies or infants may experience-

• High fever or a sudden increase in temperature i.e. more than 100.4 Fahrenheit
• Headache
• Muscles or stomach cramps
• Mild to severe pain/ache in the limbs

Norovirus in babies often causes diarrhea and it sometimes becomes dangerous, as infants and babies become dehydrated quickly. Thus, it is essential for you to check a few of the major dehydration symptoms in babies, which are-

• Presence of a fontanelle or sunken soft spot over the head
• Crying without any tears
• Fewer wet nappies
• Dry mouth
• Fast breathing
• Drowsiness

• You should provide extra fluids to your babies to avoid the problem of dehydration. Also, you have to avoid fruit juices or fizzy drinks strictly, as those beverages will make the condition of diarrhea worse. Instead, you have to continue feeding your babies as usual.
• Consult your pediatrician to give paracetamol for infants in the right dose according to the age of your baby or child. This step works a lot to reduce fever and relieve other discomforts.
• You should give oral rehydration drinks to prevent the condition of dehydration. Also, you have to discuss with your pharmacist for further precautions.

Norovirus infection spreads easily and hence, you should make sure that your baby stays at home until each of the symptoms goes away completely.

• • Consult your doctor immediately if your baby passes watery stools for more than six times during the last 24 hours.
  • If your baby vomited for about 3 times or 4 times during the last 24 hours period.
  • When your baby becomes less responsive, she feels feverish and has pale or dull skin.
  • Your baby has a severe form of dehydration based on a few of the major symptoms, like passing urine in relatively small amounts, reduce its consciousness and dizziness.
  • If your child has bloody diarrhea and other diarrhea-based symptoms, which have not improved even after a few days.
  • When your baby has kidney, diabetes or cardiac disease or any other underlying condition by birth.⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾

To conclude, we should say that norovirus infection is common and severe in infants and babies. However, it is the prime responsibility of parents to check the underlying symptoms properly to take the necessary steps in advance.

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Also Read:

• Coping Methods For Norovirus Infection
• How Long Are You Contagious With The Norovirus & Can Norovirus Last Longer Than 3 Days?
• What Are The First Symptoms Of Norovirus Infection & How Do You Test For It?
• What Leads To Norovirus Infection & Can It Be Cured?
• Lifestyle Changes For Norovirus Infection
• How To Diagnose Norovirus Infection & What Is The Best Medicine For It?
• How Does Norovirus Infection Affect The Body & What Triggers It?