What should you know about cause of norovirus infection?

A very small amount of virus can pass from an infected person to the mouth when handwashing is inadequate, food is handled while someone is infectious, or contaminated surfaces are touched. Vomiting can spread particles onto nearby surfaces. The illness commonly causes sudden vomiting, watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, and sometimes fever or body aches. These symptoms fit Gastroenteritis, but other infections and conditions can look similar. People can remain contagious after they start to feel better, so hygiene and staying away from food preparation remain important.

Take frequent small sips of water or Oral Rehydration Therapy, particularly after vomiting or diarrhoea. Rest, and reintroduce simple foods gradually as your appetite returns. Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating; alcohol hand gel alone may not remove norovirus reliably. Clean contaminated surfaces carefully, wash soiled laundry separately on a hot cycle when possible, and do not prepare food for others while unwell. Keep away from school, work, and close-contact settings until symptoms have settled and follow local clinical advice about returning.

Get urgent help if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, feel faint or confused, have severe abdominal pain, vomit blood, or notice blood in the stool. Babies, older adults, pregnant people, and those with significant medical conditions can become dehydrated more quickly and should seek advice earlier when vomiting or diarrhoea continues.

Ask whether your symptoms fit Norovirus infection or another cause, how to replace lost fluid and salts, when you can return to work or school, and which warning signs require review.