What is norovirus? (Diarrhoea and vomiting bug) | NHS

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It is also known as the 'winter vomiting bug'.

Norovirus spreads through close contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces, or consuming contaminated food or water.

Symptoms of norovirus include sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Some people may also experience fever, headache, or aching limbs.

Symptoms usually last for 1 to 3 days, but some people may feel weak and fatigued for a few days after symptoms have ended.

Most people recover within a few days without medical treatment. However, you should seek medical help if you have severe dehydration, cannot keep any fluids down, or have symptoms that last longer than a few days.

You can prevent norovirus by washing your hands frequently with soap and water, disinfecting contaminated surfaces, washing fruits and vegetables, cooking seafood thoroughly, and staying home when you are sick.

If you are infected with norovirus, stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and avoid preparing food for others until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.

Norovirus can be serious, especially for young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems, as it can lead to severe dehydration.

Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent norovirus infection.

Yes, you can get norovirus more than once because there are many different strains of the virus and immunity after infection is usually temporary.

Norovirus is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms. In some cases, stool tests may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

Norovirus is more common in winter because people tend to spend more time indoors in close proximity, which makes it easier for the virus to spread.

No, you should stay home from work to avoid spreading the virus to others. You should remain at home until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.

Hospitals control the spread of norovirus by isolating infected patients, implementing strict hand hygiene practices, and thoroughly disinfecting contaminated areas.

Norovirus can cause food poisoning if food is contaminated with the virus, but not all food poisoning is caused by norovirus. Food poisoning can also be caused by bacteria, other viruses, or toxins.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting. It is often referred to as the 'winter vomiting bug'.

The common symptoms of norovirus include sudden onset of severe vomiting, watery diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Some people may also experience a slight fever, headaches, and aching limbs.

Norovirus can be spread through direct contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food or water, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth.

Symptoms of norovirus typically last for 1 to 3 days, but some people may feel unwell for longer.

There is no specific treatment for norovirus. The illness usually resolves on its own. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Good hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, disinfecting contaminated surfaces, and washing fruits and vegetables before eating, can help prevent the spread of norovirus.

It is possible to develop temporary immunity to a strain of norovirus, but this immunity is usually short-lived and does not provide protection against other strains.

In most cases, norovirus is not serious and the symptoms can be managed at home. However, it can be more severe in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems due to the risk of dehydration.

You should seek medical help if you are unable to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours, have symptoms of severe dehydration like dry mouth and dizziness, have bloody diarrhoea, or if your symptoms do not improve after a few days.

Yes, norovirus is more common in winter, which is why it's often called the 'winter vomiting bug'. However, it can occur at any time of the year.

Yes, norovirus can be spread through contaminated food. This often happens when food is handled by someone infected with the virus.

Norovirus can remain contagious from the moment you start feeling ill to at least 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.

No, you should stay at home and avoid going to work or school for at least 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped to avoid spreading the virus to others.

Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent norovirus.

If someone in your household has norovirus, you should maintain good hygiene practices, clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, and ensure the infected person stays hydrated. Avoid sharing towels and other personal items.

Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

Norovirus is spread through contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or consuming contaminated food or water.

Symptoms include sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps. Some people may also experience a mild fever, headaches, and aching limbs.

Symptoms typically last between 24 to 48 hours but can sometimes last a bit longer.

While unpleasant, norovirus generally isn't dangerous. However, it can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

There is no specific treatment for norovirus. It usually goes away on its own. The best way to deal with it is to stay hydrated and rest.

Good hygiene practices like washing hands thoroughly, disinfecting surfaces, and handling food safely can help prevent the spread of norovirus.

Stay at home, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and practise good hygiene to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Seek medical advice if your symptoms are severe, you have underlying health conditions, or are unable to keep fluids down.

No, you should stay at home for at least 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Disinfect surfaces, wash bedding and clothing contaminated by vomit or faeces, and wash your hands frequently.

Avoid rich, spicy, or fatty foods which can aggravate your stomach. Stick to plain foods like toast, rice, and bananas.

Yes, it's possible to get norovirus multiple times as there are many different strains of the virus.

Norovirus is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms. In some cases, a stool sample might be tested to confirm the presence of the virus.

Yes, norovirus can survive on surfaces for several days. Cleaning with bleach-based disinfectant can help kill the virus.