A Stupid Question but!!

[Momee]

This may be a stupid question but how can you tell the difference between the NoroVirus and plain old seasickness/motionsickness

[jer_l]

This may be a stupid question but how can you tell the difference between the NoroVirus and plain old seasickness/motionsickness
Here is the Clinical description of norovirus fom the CDC:

The incubation period for norovirus-associated gastroenteritis in humans is usually between 24 and 48 hours (median in outbreaks 33 to 36 hours), but cases can occur within 12 hours of exposure. Norovirus infection usually presents as acute-onset vomiting, watery non-bloody diarrhea with abdominal cramps, and nausea

Motion sickness usually only had one of the symptoms--the upset stomach with possibility of vomiting.

[Momee]

Thank you Jerry that clears that up. I was always wondering.

[Onbec]

Norovirus symtoms will not disappear if the seas become calm. You are in for a couple to several days of unpleasantness.

[JimVrhovac]

You will also spike a nasty temperature along with diarrhea and vomiting which can lead to dehydration and all the problems associated with that.

I know had it last three days of a cruise and then spent several days in the hospital post cruise.

Ruth & Jim

[Harry1954]

sea sickness creates a dizzy feeling generally whereas the other affects the stomach and causes loss of appetite, fever, sometimes vomiting and/or diarh. ... they really aren't that close in symptoms.
harry

[Harry1954]

sea sickness creates a dizzy feeling generally whereas the other affects the stomach and causes loss of appetite, fever, sometimes vomiting and/or diarh. ... they really aren't that close in symptoms.
harry

[prescottbob]

Ahoy!

Bottom line medicine:

1. Motion (Sea) Sickness: non-infectious, inner ear equillibrium problem that causes queasyness, cold sweats, nausea and, potentially vomiting.

Prevention / Treatment: Dramamine, Scoplamine, Wrist Bands, etc. /
Fluids, rest, bland diet.

2. Norovirus : infectious (viral) agent causing symptoms as described by prior posters and info provided below.

Prevention / Treatment: Excellent personnal hygiene, Avoidance of infected personnal, Disinfection of suspected areas / Fluids, rest, bland diet.

CDC Q & A's might be helpful :

What are noroviruses?
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the “stomach flu,” or gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis), in people. The term norovirus was recently approved as the official name for this group of viruses. Several other names have been used for noroviruses, including:

Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs)
caliciviruses (because they belong to the virus family Caliciviridae)
small round structured viruses. Viruses are very different from bacteria and parasites, some of which can cause illnesses similar to norovirus infection. Like all viral infections, noroviruses are not affected by treatment with antibiotics, and cannot grow outside of a person’s body.
What are the symptoms of illness caused by noroviruses?
The symptoms of norovirus illness usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Sometimes people additionally have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. In most people the illness is self-limiting with symptoms lasting for about 1 or 2 days. In general, children experience more vomiting than adults. Most people with norovirus illness have both of these symptoms.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/images/to_top.gif (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus-qa.htm#top)
What is the name of the illness caused by noroviruses?
Illness caused by norovirus infection has several names, including:

stomach flu – this “stomach flu” is not related to the flu (or influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus.
viral gastroenteritis – the most common name for illness caused by norovirus. Gastroenteritis refers to an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
acute gastroenteritis
non-bacterial gastroenteritis
food poisoning (although there are other causes of food poisoning)
calicivirus infectionHow serious is norovirus disease?

People may feel very sick and vomit many times a day, but most people get better within 1 or 2 days, and they have no long-term health effects related to their illness. However, sometimes people are unable to drink enough liquids to replace the liquids they lost because of vomiting and diarrhea. These persons can become dehydrated and may need special medical attention. This problem with dehydration is usually only seen among the very young, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems.
How do people become infected with noroviruses?
Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. People can become infected with the virus in several ways, including:

eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus;
touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth;
having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms (for example, when caring for someone with illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill). Persons working in day-care centers or nursing homes should pay special attention to children or residents who have norovirus illness. This virus is very contagious and can spread rapidly throughout such environments.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/images/to_top.gif (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus-qa.htm#top)
When do symptoms appear?
Symptoms of norovirus illness usually begin about 24 to 48 hours after ingestion of the virus, but they can appear as early as 12 hours after exposure.
Are noroviruses contagious?
Noroviruses are very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. Both stool and vomit are infectious. Particular care should be taken with young children in diapers who may have diarrhea.How long are people contagious?
People infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days after recovery. Some people may be contagious for as long as 2 weeks after recovery. Therefore, it is particularly important for people to use good handwashing and other hygienic practices after they have recently recovered from norovirus illness.
Who gets norovirus infection?
Anyone can become infected with these viruses. There are many different strains of norovirus, which makes it difficult for a person’s body to develop long-lasting immunity. Therefore, norovirus illness can recur throughout a person’s lifetime. In addition, because of differences in genetic factors, some people are more likely to become infected and develop more severe illness than others.
What treatment is available for people with norovirus infection?
Currently, there is no antiviral medication that works against norovirus and there is no vaccine to prevent infection. Norovirus infection cannot be treated with antibiotics. This is because antibiotics work to fight bacteria and not viruses.
Norovirus illness is usually brief in healthy individuals. When people are ill with vomiting and diarrhea, they should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Dehydration among young children, the elderly, the sick, can be common, and it is the most serious health effect that can result from norovirus infection. By drinking oral rehydration fluids (ORF), juice, or water, people can reduce their chance of becoming dehydrated. Sports drinks do not replace the nutrients and minerals lost during this illness.
Can norovirus infections be prevented?
You can decrease your chance of coming in contact with noroviruses by following these preventive steps:

Frequently wash your hands, especially after toilet visits and changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.
Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).
Flush or discard any vomitus and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.Persons who are infected with norovirus should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness . Food that may have been contaminated by an ill person should be disposed of properly.

Have a GREAT CRUISE & Wash those Hands!

Bon Voyage & Good Health!
Bob:)

[DesertDiva]

Well, I've had both - and Norovirus on my previous cruise. While there have been several astute and detailed answers on the subject I can say "trust me, you'll know!"

I think a more basic question is how do you know the difference between food poisoning and Norovirus. In retrospect, I actually believe I had food poisoning on my cruise. However, the symptoms are much the same and you won't be able to tell unless you have a culture - which isn't going to happen aboard ship.

Also, even though you wash your hands until the skin sloughs off, it won't do much good if an infected crew member is part of your food preparation. I think it's interesting that no one has mentioned this before. There are lots of steps in food preparation with many "handlers." You can sanitize and wash your hands a "zillion" time, but if your food has been contaminated by a sick crew member (before he/she shows symptoms) you are "in for it!"

This may be a stupid question but how can you tell the difference between the NoroVirus and plain old seasickness/motionsickness