I would like to share my experience of having contracted norovirus.

Norovirus is a common virus that causes acute gastroenteritis. It is easily transmitted through consuming contaminated food or water or by contact with infected individuals. Norovirus mainly occurs in the winter season, and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable.

A few years ago, I had an episode of norovirus. I went on a trip to Tongyeong, Gyeongnam with friends and ate oyster dishes. Since I loved seafood very much, I ate raw oysters and various other seafood, and had a great time. However, a few days later, I suddenly felt extremely ill. On the way home from work, I experienced chills so severe that it was hard to hold the steering wheel, and I wondered what was happening to my body. When I got home, I developed muscle aches all over my body along with diarrhea and vomiting. I usually don't go to the hospital easily, but I couldn't even eat and felt like I was going to die from the pain. After suffering in pain, I went to the hospital, where I was told I had norovirus, a diagnosis I was unfamiliar with at the time. The cause was the oysters and seafood I ate in Tongyeong. However, my friends who ate with me were fine, so it seems that my immune system was somewhat weakened at that time.

Even after many years, I still remember how much it hurt. After receiving medication and IV treatment, a few days later, the pain gradually disappeared and I regained my health.

Generally, norovirus is said to recover naturally after a few days. In more severe cases, treatment such as taking medication and receiving IV fluids like I did may be necessary.

Norovirus has no vaccine or specific cure, so prevention is important. Maintain good personal hygiene by washing hands thoroughly, and do not share personal items such as towels, cups, or utensils with others. Additionally, it is especially important to cook food thoroughly to prevent infection.

And avoid consuming raw oysters, clams, and other shellfish; ensure the water is thoroughly boiled before drinking.

If you catch norovirus, it is difficult to eat normally due to vomiting and diarrhea, so eating plain rice porridge and drinking electrolyte drinks like Pocari to prevent dehydration can be helpful.

As the cold winter approaches, everyone should be careful not to catch norovirus and always stay healthy.