What does vomiting feel like with norovirus infection?

Norovirus can irritate the stomach and intestines. Vomiting may be forceful or occur in several episodes close together, leaving the abdomen sore and the mouth dry. Loose stools, cramping, nausea, headache, chills, or a mild fever may accompany it. The illness can spread easily between people, particularly when someone is vomiting or has diarrhoea, so handwashing with soap and water and careful cleaning of contaminated surfaces matter.

Rest and replace fluid gradually. After a vomiting episode, take small, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solution; larger drinks may trigger another episode. When hunger returns, try plain foods in modest portions and avoid alcohol, rich meals, and strong smells for a while. Do not prepare food for others while you are unwell, and wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom. Ask a pharmacist before taking anti-vomiting medicine.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, blood or green material in vomit, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep even small sips down. Contact a clinician promptly if there are signs of dehydration, symptoms are severe, or the sick person is a baby, older adult, pregnant, or has a condition that increases dehydration risk.

Ask how to replace fluids, whether testing or medicine is needed, and when it is safe to return to work, school, childcare, or food preparation. Share how often you have vomited and whether diarrhoea, fever, or reduced urination is present.