As winter continues, many people are experiencing what they call the “stomach flu.” This common illness is often actually norovirus, a highly contagious virus.
“Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States,” Dr. Jared Maurer of Mount Nittany Health explained. “It is sometimes called the ‘stomach flu’ or the ‘stomach bug,’ but norovirus is unrelated to the flu. The influenza virus causes the flu, and norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines.”
Understanding norovirus
Anyone can contract norovirus, but certain factors affect your risk. “People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus,” Dr. Maurer shared. “Your likelihood of getting a norovirus infection is also determined in part by your genes.”
The virus spreads rapidly in communal settings like schools, nursing homes, etc. Its ability to survive on surfaces and resist common disinfectants makes it particularly challenging to control outbreaks.
“A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after exposure to norovirus,” Dr. Maurer explained. “Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days, but they can still spread the virus for a few days after they feel better.”
Recognizing norovirus symptoms
According to Dr. Maurer, the most common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
Additional symptoms that might occur include fever, headache, and body aches. The combination and severity of symptoms can vary among individuals.
“If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day,” Dr. Maurer noted. “This can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids), especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.”
Watch carefully for these signs of dehydration:
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
- Crying with few or no tears
- Unusual sleepiness or fussiness
If you get sick
If you contract norovirus, take precautions to prevent it from spreading to others. “Do not prepare or handle food or care for others,” Dr. Maurer said. “Wait at least 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop before returning to school, work, or other activities. This is especially important if you work in a restaurant, school, daycare, long-term care facility, or other places where you may expose people to norovirus.”
During illness:
- Stay home from work or school
- Avoid preparing food for others
- Clean and disinfect frequently
- Wash soiled items immediately
- Minimize close contact with others
Some people have more significant risks from norovirus. “Children younger than 5 years old, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infection,” Dr. Maurer explained.
Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Signs of severe dehydration
- Bloody diarrhea
- Severe abdominal pain
- Symptoms lasting more than three days
- Inability to keep liquids down for 24 hours
Managing symptoms at home
There is no specific norovirus treatment, but you can take steps to manage symptoms.
Stay hydrated:
- Sip small amounts of clear fluids frequently
- Try oral rehydration solutions
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol
- Resume eating gradually as tolerated
Rest and recovery:
- Get plenty of rest
- Stay home from work or school
- Monitor symptoms
- Seek medical care if dehydration occurs
Prevention and protection
Understanding how norovirus spreads helps prevent infection. “You can find norovirus in your vomit or feces (poop) even before you start feeling sick,” Dr. Maurer explained. “The virus can also stay in your poop for 2 weeks or more after you feel better, and you can still spread norovirus during that time.”
“Norovirus is very contagious, but you can take steps to stop it from spreading,” he continues. “Wash hands well with soap and water; hand sanitizer alone does not work well against norovirus.”
Effective prevention strategies:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, before preparing food, before eating, after diaper changes, and when caring for sick individuals
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces
- Wash contaminated laundry thoroughly
- Handle and prepare food safely
Norovirus is a very resistant virus. “Again, hand sanitizer can be used in addition to hand washing, but it is not a substitute for handwashing, which is best,” Dr. Maurer emphasized. “Noroviruses are also relatively resistant to heat and can survive temperatures as high as 145°F.”
At Mount Nittany Health, we’re here to help if you experience severe symptoms or dehydration. Our primary care and ExpressCARE providers can provide appropriate care and guidance for managing norovirus.