Hantavirus Vs Norovirus: Hantavirus or Norovirus, which is most dangerous? Know the difference between the two from experts

Hantavirus Vs Norovirus: Cases of virus infection are continuously increasing around the world. Recently, people’s concern about norovirus and hantavirus has increased. Both viruses have the ability to spread the disease rapidly. However, their symptoms, method of spread and effect on the body are completely different. In such a situation, a question arises in the minds of people that who is more dangerous among these two? According to WHO, norovirus spreads more rapidly, while hantavirus appears in fewer cases but can prove to be more deadly. Let us know which virus is considered more deadly according to experts.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus. It affects the stomach and intestines. It is also often called “stomach flu”. This virus spreads through infected food, dirty water or contact with an infected person. Norovirus infection can spread rapidly in schools, hotels, cruise ships and crowded places. Its cases are often seen more in winter.

symptoms of norovirus

• vomiting
• having diarrhea
• stomach pain
• Nausea
• weakness
• mild fever

According to experts, this infection usually gets cured in 1 to 3 days. But it can be serious for small children, elderly and people with weak immunity.

What is Hanta virus?

Hantavirus is a rare but dangerous infection. It is mainly spread by rats and other rodents. Humans can become infected by coming in contact with the saliva, urine or feces of infected rats. This virus can cause serious damage to the lungs and other body parts. In many cases the patient’s condition deteriorates rapidly.

Symptoms of Hantavirus

• high fever
• muscle pain
• Headache
• difficulty breathing
• Tiredness
• Cough

If timely treatment is not received, the patient may suffer from serious lung infection. In some cases it also proves fatal.

Difference between hantavirus and norovirus

According to the opinion of experts, norovirus is a rapidly spreading virus, but its mortality rate is very low. Most people recover in a few days. Whereas Hanta virus spreads less, but its risk is considered higher. In many reports its mortality rate has been stated to be quite high. Especially if the patient does not get timely treatment, the situation can become serious. Doctors say that although the cases of Hanta virus are less, its severity is more. Norovirus, on the other hand, spreads more among the general public and can make a large number of people sick.

Ways to avoid norovirus

• wash hands before eating
• use clean water
• keep distance from infected person
• Avoid eating spoiled food from outside

Hantavirus protection

• Do not allow rats to flourish in the house
• keep dirt and trash clean
• Do not touch rat feces or urine without protection
• Wear mask and gloves while cleaning

What do experts say?

Health experts say that both viruses should not be taken lightly. Norovirus spreads rapidly and can infect large numbers of people. Whereas Hantavirus, despite being rare, causes more serious disease. Doctors advise that cleanliness, strong immunity and caution are the best ways to avoid these infections. Especially children and the elderly need to be extra cautious.