Norovirus: What you need to know about the gastrointestinal flu

The Norovirus is highly infectious, widespread and an extremely unpleasant guest in the body. Anyone who once had a gastrointestinal flu (gastroenteritis) knows how devastating breaking diarrhea can be-and even life-threatening for some. The virus currently has season. The number of infection has increased since the beginning of the year. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reports 14,240 cases in Germany for the first five weeks of the year, far more than in the previous year (12,348). And these are just the documented cases.

North Rhine-Westphalia is currently particularly shaken by the Norovirus, where 3249 cases have already been reported this year and, according to the latest official figures, the most people are currently infected: 548 (status: calendar week five). In Saxony (398), Baden-Württemberg (314), Bavaria (308) and Lower Saxony (231), the number of infection is also high.

Who is particularly at risk of infecting yourself now? Who can the virus be dangerous for? And how can you protect yourself? The most important facts at a glance.

Noroviruses were discovered in 1972 and belong to the family of the Caliciviridae. They are widespread worldwide and are among the most common pathogens in Germany infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Noroviruses are divided into five groups, three of which are relevant for humans: GI, Gii and Giv. The viruses are characterized by a high genome variability. This means that you can constantly change and thus avoid human immune defense. The immunity after an infection therefore only lasts briefly, if at all.

With Noroviruses you can infect yourself all year round, but there are increasingly breaking out in the autumn and winter months, between October and March. This estimates the annually registered Norovirus cases at 658 million worldwide. 200 million of the cases alone are eliminated for children under the age of five. For Germany, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) registered a total of 76,223 cases reported for 2024, a significant increase in 2023 than 53,930 cases.

With Noroviruses, all age groups can be infected. Children under the age of five and older people are particularly affected and over 70 and people with a weakened immune system. This is why there are always acute outbreaks in community facilities such as kindergartens, hospitals and old people’s homes. These outbursts are fired by an explosion -like spread of the viruses. In the worst case, a gastrointestinal flu ends fatal. The WHO speaks of an estimated 200,000 deaths a year, of which 50,000 are eliminated to children under the age of five. Countries with low incomes in particular are affected by such severe infection cases.

The Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads quickly. Infedents are most infectious in the acute phase of illness and at least two days after the symptoms subsided. The Norovirus can usually be excreted for between seven and 14 days, sometimes for weeks. What makes the Norovirus particularly nasty: Even small numbers are sufficient for infection of humans. The viruses are most frequently transferred through direct contact and, above all, transferred via the chair and vomit. However, indirect transmissions can also lead to indirect transfers, because vomiting distributes virus -containing droplets. For example, there can also be infection via the eyes or inhaling. Soiled sinks, door handles or toilet pools are also potential transmission sources. Infections can also emerge from contaminated foods such as salads, crabs or mussels as well as contaminated water.

From infection to the outbreak of the disease, more than two days can pass. The incubation period is around six to 50 hours. Although there are also slight courses without symptoms, there is usually a guddy, violent vomiting and diarrhea, especially at the beginning of the disease. On top of that, abdominal pain, fever, fatigue, headache and muscle pain can occur. The symptoms usually sound completely after a few days. However, there may be a severe loss of fluid during the disease, which may require treatments in the hospital. A Norovirus infection can lead to death in rare cases.

There is no vaccination against the virus, only the symptoms can be treated. The treatment usually focuses on compensating for the loss of fluid and electrolyte. The sick should therefore drink plenty, preferably still water or teas such as fennel or chamomile. The stomach is rotting or oat mucus. Even clear soups such as brewing are suitable, they also help to compensate for the electrolyte balance. There are also special electrolyte preparations in the pharmacy. At the latest when the symptoms do not improve after three days, circulatory problems, muscle cramps or confusion, a doctor should be consulted.

Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene. Thorough hand washing is particularly important. Fresh foods should also be washed well and seafood should be properly flipped. At best, rubber gloves and one -off towels should be used to clean the wash basin, door handles, toilets and floors and then dispose of it. In the acute phase, sick people should maintain bed rest as possible and restrict contact with others. You should also not prepare any food for others. Since the virus can be excreted for one to two weeks, in exceptions even several weeks after an acute illness, a strict toilet and hand hygiene should continue to be observed. This provides further recommendations.