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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

Most people don't need to seek medical attention for a norovirus infection, because it clears up on its own in a day or two. However, in cases involving infants, young children and older or immunocompromised adults, you may want to call your doctor if the illness lasts more than a few days or if it appears to be causing dehydration.

Warning signs of dehydration include:

  • Sunken eyes
  • Dry mouth and tongue
  • Reduced production of tears
  • Decreased urine output

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will need to know:

  • When the illness began
  • The frequency of the vomiting or diarrhea
  • Whether the vomit or diarrhea contains bile, mucus or blood
  • If you have a fever
References
  1.  Norovirus: Technical fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/Ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/downloads/noro-factsheet.pdf. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
  2. Kapikian AZ. Rotaviruses, noroviruses and other gastrointestinal viruses. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/117938057-3/796394142/1492/1345.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50408-0--cesec17_16866. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
  3. Treanor JJ. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of noroviruses, astroviruses and sapoviruses. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
  4. Managing acute gastroenteritis among children: Oral rehydration, maintenance and nutritional therapy. Atlanta, Ga. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=4362&nbr=003287&string=dehydration. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.
  5. Norovirus: Q&A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/Ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/downloads/norovirus-faqs.pdf. Accessed Jan. 26, 2009.

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April 8, 2009

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