Key Differences Between Norovirus and Coronavirus
The year 2021 saw the rise of the norovirus—also known as the vomiting bug or stomach bug. There were outbreaks in many countries, including in China, the USA, and the UK. Let’s clarify some of the similarities and differences between norovirus and coronavirus.
Norovirus research
MDPI hosts many research studies related to norovirus. ‘Norovirus Protease Structure and Antivirals Development’, a paper from Texas, USA, published in October 2021, is a promising study which takes an important step towards the conception of an effective norovirus vaccine.
Meanwhile, ‘Norovirus Epidemiology and Genetic Diversity in Leipzig, Germany during 2013–2017’ is a useful case study of the genotypes that can infect people depending on age and other factors.
MDPI greatly encourages norovirus research in the face of the COVID-19 situation.
An unforeseen consequence of the pandemic is that it has raised awareness of other biological threats. Unfortunately, however, it has also increased the vulnerability of populations and has, therefore, made people more susceptible to experiencing worse symptoms.
Vulnerable populations may face complications, for example, if they are infected with both viruses at the same time. Yet, there is much confusion about the differences between the two viruses. Often, the symptoms can be confused.
Norovirus and coronavirus
Below are some key similarities and differences.
Similarities
- A high temperature can be a symptom of both norovirus and COVID-19;
- Gastrointestinal difficulties can arise with both viruses;
- Both viruses spread via close contact with infected people or surfaces;
- Prevention includes handwashing and disinfecting surfaces;
- There is currently no direct cure for either norovirus or COVID-19;
- Both norovirus and COVID-19 have several variants;
- Both viruses are highly contagious.
Differences
- Norovirus was discovered in 1929, whereas COVID-19 was discovered in 2019;
- Norovirus is usually spread by faecal particles, whereas COVID-19 is contracted via exposure to respiratory droplets;
- There is no vaccine for norovirus, whereas many vaccines exist for COVID-19;
- Symptoms of COVID-19 typically last around 2 weeks, whereas norovirus sufferers usually recover in 2 days;
- While the majority of COVID-19 fatalities are among the elderly, norovirus fatalities are higher among infants in emergent nations;
- COVID-19 is considered more deadly. Norovirus kills 200,000 people each year, whereas COVID-19 has killed 6 million to date;
- They belong to different families; norovirus belongs to the Caliciviridae viral family, and COVID-19 belongs to Coronaviridae.
Further reading
If you want to learn more about viruses, why not start with our article How and Why Virus Variants Emerge?
Why isn’t there a vaccine for Norovirus, or isn’t it classified as important enough.
Do sufferers of Norovirus build an immunity against it.
Hi Chris, thanks for the comment.
Great question!
There is research being conducted on the issue of a possible vaccine, as explained in the introduction of this article.
When it comes to challenges, a manuscript published in Vaccines in 2021 states: “The major barrier to the development of an effective HuNoV vaccine is the lack of a robust and reproducible in vitro cultivation system.”
A Special Issue in Pathogens provides further details:
“A number of challenges hamper the development of a protective NoV vaccine. These challenges generally include the complications of NoV diversity, evolution, and selective pressure of the virus; incomplete understanding of the virus shedding dynamics and its heterogeneity; the impact of pre-existing immunity on successful immunization strategies; the duration of the vaccine-induced immunity and its toll on viral diversity; and antigenic variability along with the lack of specific correlates of protection.”
Yes, individuals can build immunity against the virus. However, a Special Issue in Viruses explains:
“New strains evolve every 2–4 years by escaping herd immunity and cause worldwide epidemics.”