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What Is Norovirus? What Are The Symptoms And How To Avoid Getting Sick This Winter

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Stomach Bug? Here's How To Soothe Norovirus Symptoms At Home

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Norovirus cases are on the rise this winter. According to the CDC, there were a record 91 norovirus outbreaks reported by state health officials the week of December 5, 2024 (the most recent report)—the highest of the year. And while like most stomach bugs, norovirus tends to clear up on its own within a few days, the symptoms can be disruptive to daily life. Here, experts offer tips for at-home norovirus treatment and explain when it's time to see a doctor. 

What is norovirus?

Despite often being referred to as the "stomach flu," norovirus is unrelated to influenza. It's a viral infection that causes gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and intestines. 

Symptoms of norovirus 

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It can be tricky to link symptoms specifically to norovirus, as many of the common signs are also tied to different types of viruses. 

"The most common signs of norovirus are diarrhea and vomiting," says Haleh Pazwash, MD, FACG of Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey. "Symptoms can start as soon as 12 hours [and up to 48 hours] after being exposed to the virus. Many patients also report abdominal discomfort/pain, nausea, fatigue, fever and headaches or muscle aches. Usually, the symptoms resolve in 1-3 days." 

How is norovirus spread?

Norovirus is highly contagious. It can survive on certain surfaces for up to 12 days and resists traditional alcohol-based sanitizers. It transmits by multiple means, explains Kathryn Schlaffer, MD, Assistant Program Director, Infectious Diseases Fellowship at the University of Maryland Medical Center. They include:

Fecal-oral, which is typically due to poor hand hygiene after using the bathroom

Consumption of food contaminated by infected water (raw shellfish, oysters and fruits and vegetables exposed to contaminated water are often cited) or by infected handlers

Contaminated surfaces and objects 

Droplets in the air from vomiting 

Norovirus treatment at home

While there is no way to cure the norovirus itself, you can manage symptoms through some simple self-care remedies. Here's what helps: 

Stay hydrated 

Norovirus puts people at risk for dehydration, says Dr. Schlaffer, so it's crucial to drink plenty of liquids to replenish GI losses. That includes water, clear fluids and oral rehydration solutions. Her top recommendations to replace lost fluids are broths and simple soups, while Dr. Pazwash recommends electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade or Liquid IV drink mix.

You'll also want to avoid foods, beverages or activities that may worsen dehydration, such as alcohol, caffeine and strenuous exercise, Dr. Schlaffer cautions. 

Settle your stomach

Norovirus can wreak havoc on your stomach, so it's important to stick to foods that won't upset it further and exacerbate GI symptoms. 

"Baby food purees and gelatin-based snacks can be helpful (even for adults) as they are convenient, usually contain simple ingredients and easily digestible," Dr. Schlaffer says. "Popsicles are great because they are typically low-volume and eaten slowly." 

It's also helpful to avoid added sugars, stick with simple ingredients and check the label for ingredients that you may find irritating such as dairy, citrus, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners or other additives, she notes. 

Also smart? Eating small amounts of food at a time. Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Garage Gym Reviews, suggests limiting your intake of solid food until you can keep liquids down. Once you're able, start with bland foods like toast, rice and bananas, he offers. 

When to see a doctor for norovirus treatment

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While norovirus eventually resolves on its own, some circumstances may warrant a visit to your doctor for assistance. 

"If you're feeling very dehydrated, can't keep fluids down or if your symptoms last longer than a couple of days, it's time to see a doctor," says Dr. Dasgupta. "They can help with IV fluids if dehydration is severe, provide medications to ease symptoms and give you advice on how to prevent complications, especially if you're older or have a weakened immune system."

For more on self-care while you're sick:

Experts Reveal the Best Foods To Eat When Sick to Soothe Symptoms and Recover Fast

Doctors Share the Best Home Remedies for a UTI To Ease Pain and Urgency and Speed Healing

5 Surprising Peppermint Tea Benefits: Ease a Migraine, Upset Stomach and More

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

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