What should you know about norwalk virus gastroenteritis?

Norwalk virus is an older name used for norovirus, which irritates the stomach and intestines. Gastroenteritis can cause sudden nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain, reduced appetite and fever. It spreads when tiny particles from vomit or stool reach another person, food, water, hands or a surface. Rotavirus can cause a similar illness, particularly in children. Symptoms can overlap with other causes of gastroenteritis, so severe, unusual or persistent features deserve clinical review.

Replace fluid with frequent small sips of water or oral rehydration solution. If nausea is strong, pause briefly and restart with smaller amounts. Eat light foods when ready, but do not force food while vomiting. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, clean areas contaminated by vomit or stool, and use separate towels if possible. Avoid preparing meals for others while ill. Stay home from close-contact activities until symptoms have settled and follow local workplace or school advice.

Contact a clinician promptly for signs of dehydration such as marked thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, unusual tiredness or reduced urination. Seek urgent care for blood in stool or vomit, severe abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, or a rapidly worsening condition. Infants, older adults, pregnant people and people with serious long-term conditions may become unwell sooner and should receive tailored advice.

Does my illness fit norovirus gastroenteritis? Which oral rehydration product and amount are suitable? What symptoms would mean I need same-day assessment? How should I protect vulnerable household members?