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Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. It is commonly referred to as the “stomach flu” and can spread rapidly in settings such as schools, cruise ships, and nursing homes.

It is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and disinfecting surfaces, to prevent the spread of norovirus. Stay hydrated and rest if you contract the virus, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or become severe.

Symptoms of Norovirus Infection

• Norovirus is a virus that leads to gastroenteritis, commonly known as ‘gastro’ or inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
• Signs may involve vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fever, and exhaustion.
• It is easily transmitted from one person to another.
• While typically resolving without treatment, it’s crucial to stay hydrated.
• Prevent the spread of the virus by washing hands regularly, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding food preparation while ill.
• Most people recover within 1-3 days, but the virus can be more serious for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
• It’s important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, especially if dehydration occurs.

Characteristics of Norovirus

Norovirus, causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines, is sometimes referred to as ‘winter vomiting’ as it prevails during colder periods. It is a primary factor in stomach and intestinal disorders globally.

It is also known as ‘gastrointestinal flu.’

Identification of Norovirus

If exposed to norovirus, symptoms usually appear within 1 to 2 days. Common indications include vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach pain, mild fever, and malaise.

• Vomiting and watery diarrhea
• Crampy stomach pain
• Slight fever
• Feeling tired and unwell

Most individuals recover promptly, with symptoms subsiding within 1 to 3 days.

Risk of Severe Symptoms

Certain groups may experience more severe and prolonged symptoms, such as:

• Seniors
• Young children
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

Severe symptoms can include high fever in children, persistent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and intense abdominal pain. Seek medical assistance in cases of severe gastroenteritis infection.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker to determine if medical care is necessary.

Transmission and Prevention

Norovirus, triggered by a virus affecting the stomach and intestines, is highly transmissible, spreading efficiently from person to person.

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Additional Resources

• Access the NSW Health norovirus fact sheet.
• Review guidelines for public health management of norovirus outbreaks in Australia by the Communicable Diseases Network Australia.
• Find educational material and videos on food safety from NSW Government Food Authority.

Contact the healthdirect helpline at 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) to speak with a registered nurse 24/7.

For Multicultural Communities

• Obtain translated information about viral gastroenteritis from Multicultural Health Communication Service.
• Access translations on gastroenteritis from HealthTranslations Victoria.
• View translated food safety videos provided by The Food Safety Information Council.

Specific Information for Aboriginal Communities

• Explore a research article detailing the connections between housing and gastrointestinal infection in Aboriginal children.
• Find information on food safety for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander populations from The Food Safety Information Council.

Sources:

Last reviewed: December 2024

Related Topics

• Bowel infections
• Gastroenteritis
• Rotavirus infection
• Stomach flu
• Food poisoning

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Get further details on this subject from our esteemed information partners.

Norovirus Fact Sheet

Read about it on the NSW Health website

Understanding Noroviruses

Noroviruses, a group of viruses causing gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting, are common infections affecting the bowel.

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Norovirus, a highly infectious virus, triggers vomiting and diarrhea. It is distinct from the flu and leads to acute gastroenteritis.

Most individuals recover within 1-3 days but remain contagious afterward.

Reinfection with Noroviruses

Different strains of noroviruses can cause multiple infections throughout life, providing no cross-protection.

Consuming raw oysters and shellfish filtering bacteria and viruses poses risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Recognizing Norovirus Symptoms

Symptoms of norovirus usually emerge 12-48 hours post-exposure.

• Main symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain
• Additional symptoms: Fever, headache, body aches

Indications of Severe Norovirus Illness

Norovirus infection can lead to severe symptoms like frequent vomiting or diarrhea, contributing to dehydration. Monitor for signs in young children and seniors.

• Reduced urination
• Dry mouth/throat
• Dizziness upon standing
• Lack of tears while crying
• Heightened irritability/sleepiness
• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• High fever (above 101.5°F)
• Signs of dehydration (dry skin, extreme thirst, dark urine)
• Weakness or lethargy

Prevention and Treatment

Any individual can contract a norovirus infection; predisposition is influenced by genetic factors.

To prevent infection, adhere to proper hygiene practices, cook shellfish thoroughly, and disinfect surfaces.

Additionally, it is important to wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers, before preparing or eating food, and after coming in contact with someone who is sick.

If you do get infected with norovirus, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Rest and avoid preparing food for others until symptoms have subsided to prevent the spread of the virus.

Transmission of Norovirus

Norovirus spreads easily through direct contact, contaminated food/water, or surface contact; transmission can persist even after recovery.

Preventive Measures

Despite its high contagiousness, norovirus can be prevented by frequent handwashing, ensuring shellfish is cooked thoroughly, sanitizing surfaces, and staying home while ill.

Norovirus Testing

Norovirus diagnostic methods focus on detecting viral RNA or antigens.

Recovery from Norovirus

Most individuals recover from norovirus within 1-3 days without specific treatment. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections.

Recognizing Dehydration in Children

Identify signs of dehydration in children with norovirus. Severe dehydration requires medical intervention, potentially demanding hospitalization for fluid replacement.

Stay Hydrated

Replenish lost fluids from vomiting/diarrhea by consuming fluids. Opt for oral rehydration solutions to address mild dehydration.

Severe Dehydration

Prompt medical help is crucial for severe dehydration; IV fluid replacement may be necessary through hospitalization.

Viral gastroenteritis is typically harmless, but the risk of dehydration necessitates medical attention. Severe cases call for hospital intervention.

Symptoms sometimes overlap with other health conditions, emphasizing the importance of clinical evaluation for distinct symptoms.

Urgent Symptoms for Adults

Adults experiencing specific symptoms should consult a medical professional immediately:

• Changes in mental state
• Persistent diarrhea exceeding 2 days
• Elevated fever
• Frequent vomiting
• Six or more loose stools daily
• Abdominal/rectal discomfort
• Black, tarry stools or blood/pus in stools
• Indications of dehydration

For older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, seeking immediate medical attention is essential.
If a baby or child displays symptoms of viral gastroenteritis, it is crucial to contact a doctor right away. Diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration in newborns and infants rapidly, potentially resulting in fatal consequences if left untreated.
Parents or caregivers should not hesitate to seek medical help if they notice specific signs or symptoms in infants or children. These include changes in mental state, persistent diarrhea, fever in infants, high fever in older children, frequent loose stools, frequent vomiting, severe abdominal or rectal pain, signs of dehydration, and discolored stools.
Medical assistance should be sought urgently if a child with signs of viral gastroenteritis is an infant, premature, or has underlying medical conditions. If the child is struggling to consume enough fluids to prevent dehydration or if there is no improvement after using oral rehydration solutions, seeking medical advice is necessary.
Viral gastroenteritis can be caused by various viruses, with norovirus being the most common culprit. Other common viruses include rotavirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus, which primarily affect infants and young children. While these infections can occur throughout the year, they are more prevalent during the winter season in the United States.
It is important to note that viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as “stomach flu,” is different from influenza, as flu viruses primarily affect the respiratory system. Apart from viruses, bacterial, parasitic, and chemical agents can also cause different types of gastroenteritis, including food poisoning.
The transmission of viral gastroenteritis occurs through contact with infected stool or vomit. Infected individuals can spread the virus by touching shared surfaces, handling food or beverages, and coming into contact with others. Norovirus, in particular, is highly contagious and can survive on surfaces for extended periods, leading to infections in various settings such as households, schools, and public places.
Furthermore, water contaminated with virus-infected stool can spread the infection through food and drinks or recreational activities like swimming. It is crucial to practice good hygiene to prevent the transmission of viral gastroenteritis.