What should you know about norovirus enteritis?

Enteritis means inflammation of the small intestine. Norovirus can irritate the digestive tract, leading to nausea, abdominal pain, loose stools, reduced appetite and sometimes fever. Symptoms often begin abruptly after exposure and spread readily through contaminated hands, food, surfaces or close contact. Gastroenteritis is a broader term that includes inflammation of the stomach and intestines; rotavirus infection can produce a similar pattern, particularly in young children.

The key complication is dehydration because the body loses fluid through vomiting and diarrhoea. Young children, older adults and people with other illnesses can become unwell more quickly.

Sip water or an oral rehydration drink frequently rather than taking a large amount at once. Continue breastfeeding if relevant, and return to light foods as appetite comes back. Rest, wash hands with soap and water, and clean bathroom surfaces carefully. Stay away from work, school and food preparation until vomiting and diarrhoea have settled and follow local health advice. Antibiotics do not treat norovirus.

Seek urgent care for fainting, confusion, severe abdominal pain, blood in stool or vomit, unusual sleepiness, or inability to drink. Contact a clinician if urine becomes very infrequent or dark, vomiting persists, diarrhoea is severe, or a fever continues. A child with dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes or marked lethargy needs prompt assessment.

Ask how much fluid is appropriate, whether an examination or stool test is needed, how to manage medicines during vomiting, and when it is safe to return to normal activities.