Norovirus is a vomiting bug that can spread through contaminated food or water. It’s important to wash your hands thoroughly, as hand sanitizer alone cannot prevent the spread.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 685 million cases of norovirus are diagnosed annually, with 200 million diagnoses among children under 5 years old.

Norovirus is considered a vomiting bug that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. Anyone can have norovirus, and while outbreaks are common during the winter, you may contract it at any time of the year. Some foods, such as seafood and oysters, may be contaminated with the virus.

Read on to learn more about how norovirus spreads, how to prevent it, and what treatment options are available.

Norovirus, considered a vomiting bug, is very contagious. This means it can spread quickly and easily. The main ways it spreads are through contaminated:

  • food
  • water
  • surfaces

A person can transmit the virus if they are experiencing symptoms and for a few days after recovery. Transmission happens if you ingest tiny particles of fecal matter or vomit from a person with a norovirus infection.

When a person has an infection, they may be able to shed many microscopic virus particles. If you ingest just a few of these, the infection can pass to you.

The symptoms of norovirus include:

Norovirus may cause you to feel extremely ill. You might experience vomiting and diarrhea every single day, even multiple times a day.

This can lead to dehydration as you might be losing fluids at a faster rate than you can replenish them. Dehydration can occur in both young children and adults and may happen more often in people who have certain illnesses.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

  • dry mouth
  • dizziness when standing up
  • decreased urination
  • crying without tears
  • unusual sleepiness or fuzziness

Drink plenty of fluid if you’re experiencing dehydration. If you suspect your child or a family member may experience severe dehydration, talk with a doctor. They may require in-hospital treatment, where a healthcare professional will prescribe intravenous (IV) fluids.

If you have norovirus, you will typically get better within about 1 to 3 days. No medication is designed specifically for norovirus. However, it’s important to replenish lost fluids to prevent dehydration.

The virus can make it difficult to eat and drink due to the intestinal inflammation it causes. If you can eat, try not to eat too much at once and space out your meals throughout the day. Smaller meals can be easier to eat, and bland food may be a better option if you feel too sick to have anything else. Some possible options include:

  • toast
  • apples
  • plain rice
  • mashed potatoes
  • banana

Try to replenish lost fluids as much as possible. Avoid alcohol or caffeine, as they may cause dehydration. Sports drinks may be a good option because they contain electrolytes and can help you stay hydrated.

Antibiotics are not suitable for treating norovirus as they do not treat viruses. They should only be used for bacterial infections.

To prevent the spread of norovirus, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Hand sanitizer alone is not enough to kill the virus. Make sure to sanitize all surfaces as well, especially if you come into contact with someone who has the virus.

It’s important to also handle food safely, as the virus can spread through food as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following tips:

  • Wash fruits and vegetables carefully.
  • Avoid steaming oysters. Instead, cook oysters and other shellfish to a temperature of 145°F or higher. Noroviruses are resistant to heat and can survive in temperatures up to 145°F. Quick steaming foods may not kill the virus.
  • Clean and sanitize your kitchen utensils, especially after cooking shellfish.
  • Keep raw oysters separately from any other ready-to-eat food in your refrigerator or freezer.
  • Throw away food if you suspect it has norovirus or if you’ve recently had the virus yourself. Keep in mind food contaminated with norovirus may not taste, smell, or look any different from food that does not contain the virus.

If you already have norovirus, do not prepare food for others or care for them while you have the infection, and wait at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop.

If you have norovirus, the viral infection will typically resolve within 1 to 3 days. Your symptoms may sometimes ease or clear within a couple of days, but the virus can still spread to other people during that time.

There is no specific treatment for norovirus, but the virus should eventually go away on its own. However, some people may experience severe dehydration, which requires immediate medical attention. Contact a doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms:

Norovirus, considered a vomiting bug, is extremely contagious and can spread through water, food, and other surfaces. A person who has norovirus may also be able to shed microscopic viral particles, which can transfer the virus to someone else when ingested.

There’s no treatment for norovirus, but it’ll typically go away on its own in about 1 to 3 days. It’s very important to stay hydrated. It’s advised to drink plenty of fluids and get rest as much as you can. If possible, try not to come in contact with other people while you have the virus.

If you or your child experience symptoms of severe dehydration, reach out to a doctor or healthcare professional. You or your child may require in-hospital treatment to replenish fluids.