Norovirus loss of appetite

Norovirus can inflame the digestive tract and trigger nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhoea. These sensations commonly make food unattractive for a while. Loss of appetite is a symptom rather than a diagnosis: gastroenteritis, influenza, COVID-19, gastritis and other conditions can also reduce interest in food. The more immediate concern during vomiting or diarrhoea is inadequate fluid intake.

Prioritise frequent small sips of water or oral rehydration solution. Do not force a full meal. When nausea eases, try small portions of bland or familiar foods and increase variety as tolerated. Keep track of drinking, urination and vomiting. Rest, wash hands with soap and water, and avoid preparing food for other people while you may spread the infection.

Seek medical advice promptly if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, feel faint or confused, become very weak, or develop severe abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, or breathing difficulty. Arrange review if appetite remains markedly reduced after the stomach symptoms improve, or if there is ongoing weight loss or another unexplained change.

Ask how much fluid you should aim to take, which foods are reasonable while nausea settles, and whether persistent poor appetite needs evaluation for another cause.