A calicivirus is also known as a Norwalk or Norwalk-like virus. It is unique among food-borne illnesses because it is carried by humans rather than being passed along from animal products or animal waste. Although it causes unpleasant symptoms that can be severe, it does not require medical treatment.
The Facts
Calicivirus is a classification of a kind of virus that causes food-borne illness in humans. It is easily passed from one person to another, causing outbreaks that affect a large percentage of a population. One infected person working in food preparation can spread the virus through nearly everything she touches. The symptoms caused by a calicivirus manifest quickly. They usually last no longer than 24 to 48 hours before fading without any medical intervention. These symptoms include stomach upset, fever and fatigue.
Nausea
Gastrointestinal illness is one of the main symptoms of infection by a calicivirus. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea all manifest acutely soon after infection. Most patients experience more vomiting than diarrhea during infection. If these symptoms are severe enough or appear in a person who has previously been ill or in a child or elderly person, there is a risk of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. While these symptoms appear quickly and can be severe, they usually disappear within two days without a patient requiring any medication.
Fever
Many people who contract a calicivirus experience a fever. For the majority of patients, this fever is low-grade and not dangerous. It can add to a person’s discomfort while ill. If she is able to keep down food and medication, she can find relief for this symptom through over-the-counter fever reducers such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Fatigue
While a calicivirus does not linger in most patients beyond two days, the way the symptoms appear quickly and strongly leaves many people feeling extremely fatigued. Between gastrointestinal illness and lack of sleep due to feeling ill, the symptom of fatigue may linger longer than others. Rest during and after the infection occurs will help a person recover from fatigue.
Other
A person infected with a calicivirus can experience other less common symptoms along with the main ones of severe stomach upset, fever and tiredness. He might also experience abdominal cramps along with the usual nausea. He can also develop deep muscle pain and a headache. These calicivirus symptoms fade as quickly as the others.