What should you know about norovirus flu?

Norovirus commonly causes abrupt nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps and sometimes fever. Influenza is a respiratory infection that more often causes cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache and marked tiredness. Fever can occur with either illness, so it cannot distinguish them by itself. Other infections, including COVID-19, a common cold or acute bronchitis, may explain fever with respiratory symptoms. Bronchiolitis and croup are particular concerns in young children with breathing changes.

For stomach symptoms, take small sips of fluid often and rest. For respiratory symptoms, monitor breathing and keep away from vulnerable people while unwell. Wash hands with soap and water, clean contaminated surfaces and do not prepare food for others during vomiting or diarrhoea. Use medicines only as directed and ask a pharmacist if vomiting makes regular medicines difficult to keep down.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, collapse, blue lips, repeated vomiting with inability to drink, or signs of dehydration. Get medical advice for a persistent fever, worsening cough, a child who is working hard to breathe, or symptoms in someone pregnant, very young, older or medically vulnerable.

Describe whether the illness began with gut or breathing symptoms, your temperature pattern, fluid intake and any medical conditions. Ask whether testing, examination or a treatment review is appropriate.