How do you know you have norovirus and not just S&D?

[Mistymoo]

In our area in mid November there was a very nasty sickness and diarrhoe bug going around. Our family all had it and several friends and it seemed to spread very quickly.

I just wondered how you know the difference? Is there a timescale or something?

According to HPA, norovirus is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis. So if you all had a sickness bug that spread rapidly it is likely to have been a norovirus.

Deos it matter as long as you have recovered ?

I assume because if you have had it, you may be immune from getting it again within a few months.

but isn't the thing about this that , like the common cold , the virus mutates so you don't get immunity as it is never quite the same.

I think though that the idea is that the virus can take a little while at least to fully mutate.
So, for example, I was vomiting before christmas. Would hope then that the bug I had would take a while to become something that I have no immunity to. IYSWIM. Sounds logical, but backed up by zero scientific knowledge.

If you are a man or a DC hoping to get off school, then it's norovirus.

If you are a busy mum then it's just a mild case of the runs and business as normal.

norovirus is just sickness and diarrhoea. The reason it's causing problems is because it's so infectious.

Slight hijack - has anyone else's/DP's workplace put out a warning about the norovirus? DP came home on Friday saying that they were all emailed saying if you have D or V not to return to work until at least 48 hours after you feel well again. I can see how they want to limit the spread of infection as it could be v hard on the business but the slackers are jumping up and down thinking they've got a free-pass to extra days off sick!

LIZS - I know it doesn't matter. I was just curious. It's just something I was thinking about that's all.