What is norovirus and how can I manage it at home?

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is also called the "winter vomiting bug", although it can occur at other times of the year. It is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can disrupt your day-to-day routine and the symptoms can be unpleasant, but it usually goes away in about 2 days with no lasting effects.

Noroviruses are the most common cause of stomach bugs in the UK.

What are the symptoms?

• Feeling sick

• Diarrhoea

• Sudden onset of vomiting

• Some people may experience a high temperature, headache, stomach cramps, and aching arms and legs

Norovirus is very contagious and can be transmitted by contact with an infected person, by touching contaminated surfaces or objects, or by consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms start suddenly within 1 or 2 days of being infected.

How to treat norovirus

You can usually treat norovirus yourself at home. The important thing is to make sure you rest and have lots of fluids so you don’t get dehydrated. Most people make a full recovery without any treatment. If you are concerned or need additional guidance, you can talk to your pharmacist for support. Over-the-counter medicines may also help if you need to reduce the aches and pains that may come with the illness.

The NHS also provides lots of guidance on how to treat diarrhoea and vomiting.

Treating diarrhoea and vomiting yourself

Dehydration can be a secondary symptom of norovirus as our bodies lose fluids from diarrhoea and vomiting. Diarrhoea usually stops within 5 days, and vomiting usually stops in 1 or 2 days. It can spread very easily so stay at home and avoid contact with other people.

The NHS recommends the following guidance if you find yourself impacted by norovirus.

Do

• Stay at home and get plenty of rest

• Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick

• If treating an infant, carry on breast or bottle feeding – if they're being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual

• Give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds

• Eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy

• Take paracetamol if you're in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child

Don’t

• Try to avoid fruit juice or fizzy drinks – they can make diarrhoea worse

• If your infant is affected, don’t weaken their baby formula – use it at its usual strength

• Do not give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea

• Do not give aspirin to children under 16

If you need any additional advice or have any other concerns speak to your pharmacist

You can also use our free Conditions A-Z tool for more information, including the causes, symptoms, and treatments of a wide range of health concerns.