You asked -- Is "norovirus" a virus, or is it a bacterial infection?
You can see it here at the CDC --
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus.htm
The Norwalk Virus is not something you ever want to have. It's wicked stuff. I got it for the first time last summer, at a state fair in Oklahoma (or at least as near as I can figure). There were three of us (in the family) at home at the time, and we all -- one right after the other -- within hours, got sicker than dogs.
First one person gets sick. It's vomiting and diarrhea and usually at the same time (don't know what to do first...). First we saw one person get sick. Well, that might not be unusual and you don't think too much about it. Maybe some bad food or getting sick with something or other. Then, a couple of hours later, a second person gets sick. Uh-oh, something might be "up"...
Then it was me, the last person to get sick -- for sure, it was "full-blown" something or other. Didn't know exactly "what" at that exact time, but it was bad for everyone. I didn't eat a thing for three or four days. I basically didn't drink anything (didn't think I could) for two days). It was a week later before I thought I might be okay.
We called the Health Department on an establishment at the fair that we thought might be the culprit. They did an inspection right away but came up with nothing. The confirmed that there had been a few cases of the Norwalk Virus, but they couldn't find a source.
Stay away from that Norwalk Virus [as if someone could do that...]
Regards,
Star Traveler
I had something like that last Christmas (2005). I thought I was gonna die. I was the only one that got it, pry when I was out Christmas shopping, but it sure ruined my holiday. I couldn't even cook Christmas dinner. The only good thing is...I lost 7 lb in a week!