Does norovirus infection cause diarrhoea?

Norovirus irritates the digestive tract and can cause sudden loose or watery stools, vomiting, nausea and abdominal cramps. Symptoms can spread easily between people through contaminated hands, surfaces, food or close contact. Most illness settles with supportive care, but fluid loss can become serious, especially for young children, older adults and people with other health problems.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, particularly after each loose stool or episode of vomiting. Rest and return to simple foods as tolerated. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, clean contaminated surfaces and avoid preparing food for others while ill and for a period after symptoms stop. Do not take antibiotics for norovirus unless a clinician identifies another infection.

Contact a clinician if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, feel dizzy when standing, have a dry mouth, severe weakness, blood in the stool, intense abdominal pain or diarrhoea that is not settling. Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting or signs of severe dehydration. Get advice sooner for an infant, frail older person or someone with a condition that increases fluid-loss risk.

Ask which rehydration drink is suitable, how to monitor urine and alertness, and whether any regular medicines need adjustment while you are vomiting or having diarrhoea. Ask when it is safe to return to work, school or food preparation.