Norovirus Nightmare: How I Survived and Learned to Prevent It
Norovirus Nightmare: How I Survived and Learned to Prevent It Norovirus Nightmare: How I Survived and Learned to Prevent It In December 2023, I thought I was dying. After a buffet dinner, I spent 3 days battling norovirus , vomiting 10 times, rushing to the bathroom 8 times daily, and feeling so weak I could barely stand. At 30, I’d never been so sick. A $150 doctor’s visit and 5 days of recovery later, I dove into understanding this vicious virus. Here’s my story, with numbers, tables, and tips to help you avoid or survive norovirus. What Is Norovirus? The Gut-Wrenching Truth Norovirus is a highly contagious virus causing gastroenteritis—think intense vomiting and diarrhea. It spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or close contact. My doctor said just 10 viral particles can infect you, compared to 1,000 for the flu. In 2023, norovirus caused 685 million cases globally, with 2.7 million in the U.S. alone. M...