Symptoms of norovirus gastroenteritis

Norovirus irritates the stomach and intestines and spreads easily through contaminated hands, food, surfaces, or close contact. Vomiting and diarrhoea may occur together, while abdominal pain, fever, headache, body aches, or loss of appetite can also develop. Symptoms can be intense, but the main immediate danger is losing more fluid than you can replace. Norovirus is different from rotavirus infection, although both can cause gastroenteritis and symptoms alone cannot identify the virus.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. After vomiting settles, try plain foods in small amounts and return gradually to your usual diet. Rest, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, and clean contaminated bathroom and kitchen surfaces. Do not prepare food for other people while ill or soon after symptoms stop, and avoid sharing towels. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before using anti-diarrhoeal medicine, particularly for a child, older adult, or person with another medical condition.

Get urgent advice for very little urine, marked dizziness, fainting, confusion, a dry mouth with inability to drink, blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, or vomiting that prevents fluid intake. Babies, older adults, pregnant people, and those with significant health conditions can become dehydrated sooner and should seek advice early. Medical review is also appropriate when symptoms are not improving or fever is persistent.

Ask how to judge dehydration, which rehydration product is suitable, and whether another infection or medication could explain the symptoms. If several people are ill, ask about cleaning, food handling, and when normal activities can safely resume.