Diarrheal illnesses
January 20, 2014 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Olaf Stephan
Good day! I have a question! Is there finally or soon in the foreseeable future a vaccine against the norovirus or other diarrheal diseases? I am very afraid of contracting it.
Thank you in advance!
Dear Inquirer,
Diarrheal illnesses are a common health problem, especially during transitional seasons. In most cases, diarrhea can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Bacterial-induced diarrhea (such as Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, etc.) can be effectively treated with antibiotics, while viral-induced intestinal inflammation can only be treated symptomatically. However, viral infections usually run a relatively mild course and last only a few days (usually 2-3 days). Rotaviruses and Noroviruses are the main causes of viral-induced diarrhea. While there is a oral vaccine available for Rotaviruses for children (but it has to be paid for and there is limited experience with it), there is currently no commercially available vaccine for Noroviruses, although research is ongoing. It is not yet definitively determined when such a vaccine will be widely used and whether it will be successful. As mentioned earlier, most Norovirus infections are mild and considering the potential risks of vaccination, it is important to weigh the benefits and risks.
Best regards,
Olaf Stephan.
