Norovirus and the Elderly

Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States, causing over 21 million illnesses each year. Though norovirus impacts all age groups, seniors are at higher risk of infection and severe illness. If you’ve heard about contagious diarrhea in the elderly or read news stories about a wave of vomiting seniors sweeping across a nursing home, you were likely reading about norovirus.

In this post, we’ll discuss norovirus in the elderly, common norovirus complications, and how to help your seniors avoid infection.

Norovirus is highly contagious, and symptoms come on fast, with most people seeing them begin within 12 – 48 hours of exposure. The virus is present year-round, but most cases are seen from November to April when people are spending more time indoors.

Symptoms of norovirus include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Chills

While anyone can catch norovirus, older adults are at a significantly higher risk of infection and symptoms can be more severe, and even life-threatening.

How Long Does the Norovirus Last in Adults?

Most patients experience a brief infection, with symptoms lasting between 2 to 3 days.

However, investigations into norovirus outbreaks have shown that older adults may experience a longer duration of diarrhea, with some patients experiencing symptoms for as long as 9 days. Reports show an even slower recovery in patients over the age of 85, with almost half of those affected still symptomatic after 4 days

At least one study found that lesser symptoms like persistent headache, thirst, and vertigo were observed as long as 19 days after exposure in 10 nursing home residents between the ages of 79 and 94, even though the diarrhea and vomiting had resolved within the first 4 days.

Is Norovirus Dangerous?

Norovirus isn’t dangerous for otherwise healthy children and adults, but adults over the age of 65 are considered a “high-risk group for severe symptoms and clinical outcomes.”

Seniors who are hospitalized for a norovirus infection are frequently admitted to the ICU. It is estimated that as much as 90% of norovirus-associated deaths in the United States are made up of people over the age of 65.

Norovirus in Nursing Homes

In the United States, nursing homes and other long-term assisted care facilities are the most commonly reported settings for norovirus outbreaks. This is because nursing homes are uniquely poised to spread norovirus. Residents spend much of their time in close-quarters spaces and the requirement of a high level of person-to-person contact for proper care creates endless opportunities for the virus to spread.

Recurrence within the same care facility is unfortunately common — even when control measures are taken — and can last for months, leading to increased hospitalization and mortality rates for residents.

How to Avoid Norovirus in the Elderly

The best way to avoid norovirus infection is proper hygiene and environmental cleaning:

• Washing hands with plain or antiseptic soap and running water for 20 seconds
• Routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces such as toilets, faucets, hand railings, door handles, electronic devices, and kitchen surfaces

To learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.