Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentWhen to See a ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
When to See a Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Norovirusesare a very contagious group of viruses that causegastroenteritis(stomach flu), an inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines, which leads to unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.In healthy younger adults, norovirus is generally mild, but it can be severe in young children, older adults, or people with underlying health conditions.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment of norovirus.
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Symptoms of Norovirus
Norovirus symptoms can come on quickly and last for several days. In severe cases, they can last even longer.
The primary symptoms of a norovirus include:
Less common symptoms of norovirus include:
Stay HydratedA norovirus can also causedehydrationdue to diarrhea and vomiting.Drink plenty of clear liquids, especially if you notice signs like you’re urinating infrequently, you have a dry nose and throat, or you are dizzy.
Stay Hydrated
A norovirus can also causedehydrationdue to diarrhea and vomiting.Drink plenty of clear liquids, especially if you notice signs like you’re urinating infrequently, you have a dry nose and throat, or you are dizzy.
Causes of Norovirus
Norovirus spreads very easily, often through contaminated food or infected individuals.
Noroviruses are most common from November to April.The most common ways to contract norovirus are through:
Norovirus can become airborne from vomit, as well as spreading through contaminated foods and surfaces. You are most likely to infect others when you have symptoms or when you are in the first few days of recovery.
How to Treat Norovirus
Norovirus does not have a specific treatment.
Most people feel better within a few days.
Your best bet with norovirus is prevention, which includes the following:
Protect Others
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You don’t typically need to see a healthcare provider for norovirus, as it will run its course.However, there are times when you need to check in with a provider if:
Summary
Noroviruses are common and highly contagious gastrointestinal viruses. They spread through contaminated surfaces, food or water, or contact with infected individuals.
Norovirus can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually last for a few days.
There is no treatment for norovirus, but it typically resolves on its own. It’s recommended to stay home and stay hydrated until your symptoms pass, because you can easily spread the virus to others. If your symptoms don’t go away after a few days, contact a healthcare provider.
A Word From Verywell
There is no medication for norovirus, which usually lasts a few days. To get rid of the virus indoors, wipe surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner, wear medical gloves around anyone with norovirus, wash fruits and vegetables, cook shellfish thoroughly, and wash your hands frequently, especially if you think you’ve been exposed.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Norovirus infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About norovirus.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How norovirus spreads.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to prevent norovirus.National Health Service.Norovirus.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Norovirus infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About norovirus.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How norovirus spreads.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to prevent norovirus.National Health Service.Norovirus.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Norovirus infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About norovirus.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How norovirus spreads.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to prevent norovirus.National Health Service.Norovirus.
MedlinePlus.Norovirus infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About norovirus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How norovirus spreads.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to prevent norovirus.
National Health Service.Norovirus.
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