What should you know about norovirus stomach flu?

Norovirus irritates the stomach and bowel and spreads easily through close contact, contaminated surfaces, food, or vomit and stool particles. Illness can cause watery diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and loss of appetite. Most care focuses on replacing lost fluids and allowing the gut to settle. Norovirus is different from influenza, and antibiotics do not treat a viral infection. Other infections, including Rotavirus Infection, can produce a similar pattern, so the diagnosis may depend on the setting and clinical assessment.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink; if vomiting occurs, pause briefly and try again slowly. Eat light foods when appetite returns. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, clean contaminated surfaces as directed, avoid preparing food for others while ill, and keep separate towels where possible. Stay home from school or work until vomiting and diarrhoea have settled according to local health advice. Read about Diarrhoea, Nausea, or Fever if you need help describing symptoms.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, difficulty breathing, blood in stool or vomit, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek prompt medical advice for very little urine, a dry mouth with worsening dizziness, persistent fever, or concern about a baby, older adult, pregnancy, or someone with a serious medical condition. These may signal Dehydration or a more serious illness.

Ask how much fluid to take, whether an oral rehydration solution is suitable, which medicines to avoid, and how to protect vulnerable household members. Ask what duration of vomiting or diarrhoea should prompt review and whether testing is needed.