What should you know about norovirus vomiting bug?

Norovirus inflames the digestive tract and can spread easily through contaminated hands, surfaces, food or close contact. Symptoms may begin suddenly and can include nausea, repeated vomiting, watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, headache and fever. Vomiting and diarrhoea remove fluid and salts from the body, which can lead to dehydration. Food poisoning, gastroenteritis from another cause, rotavirus, migraine, gallstones or pancreatitis can produce similar symptoms. The pattern, exposure history, age and examination help a clinician decide what is most likely.

Take small, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solution rather than drinking a large amount at once. When appetite returns, try plain foods and gradually resume your usual diet. Rest, clean contaminated surfaces according to product instructions, and wash hands with soap and water. Keep separate towels and avoid preparing food for other people while unwell. Do not take anti-diarrhoeal or anti-sickness medicine for a child without professional advice. Antibiotics do not treat norovirus.

Seek urgent help if you cannot keep fluids down, become confused or faint, pass very little urine, have blood in vomit or stool, develop severe or localised abdominal pain, or worsen quickly. A stiff neck, severe headache, light sensitivity, or a rash with fever needs urgent assessment because it may indicate a serious illness such as meningitis. Babies, older adults, pregnant people, and those with significant medical conditions may need earlier advice.

How can I tell whether I am dehydrated? Is oral rehydration appropriate for me? Could another condition explain severe or localised pain? When should a child or older family member be assessed? How long should I stay away from food handling and close contact?