Each year in the United States, norovirus causes up to:
21 million cases of gastroenteritis2. 2 million healthcare provider visits465,000 ER visits109,000 hospitalizations900 deaths
Norovirus cases in children account for nearly 1 million medical care visits each year. Among very young children, norovirus can be life-threatening.
Norovirus causes about 58% of foodborne illnesses in the United States. In contrast, salmonella, which gets a lot more attention, only causes about 23% of cases.
If norovirus is so common, how come more people don’t know about it? It is likely because most people don’t actually know when they have norovirus. Instead, they blame their symptoms on food poisoning, the stomach flu, or some other gastrointestinal infection.
Norovirus Symptoms
Norovirus symptoms are very similar to other causes of gastroenteritis, including vomiting and watery diarrhea. Other symptoms might include:
NauseaStomach crampsLow-grade feverBody achesFatigue
In most cases, norovirus symptoms only last a few days. However, in younger children and the elderly, symptoms can sometimes last longer and be more severe.
Causes
Norovirus is highly contagious and is spread by:
Direct exposure to someone who is sickHaving contact with something that has been contaminated with the virusEating food or drinking water that has been contaminatedSwimming in contaminated pools or lakes
The period between when people are exposed to norovirus and when they get sick (called the incubation period) is about 12 to 48 hours.
Diagnosis
In many cases, norovirus is diagnosed after a discussion with the healthcare provider about symptoms. Stool samples can be tested for norovirus, but this is not routinely done by most pediatricians because of the short course of the infection.
Treatment
There is no medicine to treat norovirus. Instead, treatment focuses on managing symptoms at home. Patients can take these steps to ease norovirus symptoms:
Drink plenty of fluids. Eat bland—but healthy—foods. Rest as needed.
Fortunately, most people recover quickly from norovirus, with vomiting and diarrhea lasting just one to three days.
Complications
Dehydration is a leading complication of norovirus infection, and can be serious, particularly in young children and the elderly. Signs of dehydration to watch for in young children and babies can include:
Lack of urination (or fewer wet diapers)Dark yellow or orange peeNo interest in drinkingA lack of tears when cryingSunken fontanelle (soft spot) in infants
Prevention
There is no cure for norovirus infections, so that makes it important to try to prevent infections before they happen. Like the flu and many other viral infections, people typically don’t develop immunity to norovirus and can become infected more than once. To help avoid norovirus infection and keep the virus from spreading when you are sick, it can help to:
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water. Thoroughly disinfect surfaces with a bleach-based household cleaner. Wash clothing that becomes contaminated after someone throws up or has diarrhea. Avoid preparing and cooking food for other people until you have been over your norovirus symptoms for at least two days. Avoid swimming in a pool if you have been vomiting or if you recently had diarrhea. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. Avoid raw oysters.
The World Health Organization has made the development of a norovirus vaccine a priority. A norovirus vaccine is already being tested in adults, but it is unclear when it will become available and if children can have it. Some experts have suggested a combined rotavirus and norovirus vaccine to help prevent both common causes of viral gastroenteritis.
A Word From Verywell
Parents know how difficult it can be when their child is sick. If your child has been diagnosed with norovirus, it’s important to keep them comfortable and well-hydrated while the virus runs its course. Stay vigilant for signs of dehydration, particularly in infants and younger children, and contact your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.
