What is the difference between norovirus and rotavirus

Hence, norovirus is also known as the winter vomiting bug. However, the symptoms may develop after 12 to 48 hours after the infection.

But, recovery can occur within one or two days. The complications may include dehydration. Rotavirus RV is another type of enteric virus, which serves as the most common cause of diarrhoeal disease among infants and young children. But, in contrast to norovirus, it contains a double-stranded DNA virus.

Also, it belongs to the family Reoviridae. Moreover, rotavirus transmits through the fecal-oral route. Also, it damages the lining of the small intestine, causing gastroenteritis. Generally, this is the reason for approximately one-third of hospitalizations for severe diarrhea in infants and children. However, public health campaigns provide rotavirus vaccination through oral rehydration therapy for infected children.

And, children develop immunity following the first infection and hence, the subsequent infections can be less severe.

Norovirus refers to any of the various single-stranded RNA viruses, including the Norwalk virus and other closely related viruses. But, rotavirus refers to any of the group of double-stranded DNA viruses, some of which cause acute enteritis in humans. Norovirus belongs to the family Caliciviridae, while rotavirus belongs to the family Reoviridae. Norovirus is a round-shaped virus, but rotavirus has a wheel-like shape. Norovirus infects people of all ages, but rotavirus mainly infects young children.

Many times, children with flu or norovirus return to school while they are still contagious and this increases the spread of these illnesses and can cause outbreaks in schools. The best way to decrease your risk of flu is getting the flu vaccine every year. It is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.

Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands after. Hogan was raised in the Dallas area. She then completed her pediatric residency at University of Texas Southwestern in Austin. Hogan provides comprehensive health care to children of all ages. She has a passion for pediatrics and loves getting to know families, with the philosophy that providing the best primary care depends on developing personal relationships with her patients and their families.

She has a special interest in preventative medicine and promoting healthy, happy childhoods for all children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two young sons, as well as reading and traveling. Make an appointment with Dr. Hogan here. Checkup Newsroom showcases even more of the kids health news you search for and expect from our health care system.

Whether the offender is norovirus, rotavirus, or some other germ, the treatment for gastrointestinal illness is basically the same: get lots of rest, drink clear liquids, and nibble on crackers until you feel better. Those whose symptoms are severe, or who belong to a special risk group - including infants and the elderly - should check with a physician.

The "flu shot" does not prevent this type of illness, but there are other ways to keep it from spreading, according to Stiles. People should avoid sharing food or drinks, and should use bleach or other disinfectants to keep surfaces clean. It is also important to thoroughly wash clothes and towels used by a sick person. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. All rights reserved About Us. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.

Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Ad Choices. Fact-forward news for readers like you who want to know more.