Got Norovirus? Doctors Say This Is Exactly What You Should Now
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You’re going about your day, and bam! Suddenly you feel intensely gross. Your stomach is rocking and rolling, and whoa — you need to run for the bathroom. What is happening?
It may well be norovirus, a GI infection that’s surging across the country right now. “Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to a condition called acute gastroenteritis," says Erica Chung, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the department of gastroenterology at Montefiore Einstein in Bronx, New York. “The virus enters your body through contaminated food, water, surfaces or through direct contact with an infected person, and infects cells in your small intestine," says Chung.
Norovirus is one of the leading causes of foodborne illnesses worldwide. As Chung said, the specific way a lot of folks get infected is from contaminated food, primarily from restaurants. If someone doesn't wash their hands after going to the bathroom, and feces or vomit that they’ve had contact with contaminates a surface your food is prepared on, or your dinner directly. Norovirus also spreads fast in crowded places like hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers or on cruise ships, according to Mayo Clinic.
Certain foods are more likely to give you norovirus, too — specifically seafood or fruits and vegetables. Shellfish like clams, mussels and oysters can be harvested from waters contaminated by leaking septic systems, or by sick people who swim in the water. Fruits and veggies grown in fields may get sprayed with water contaminated with norovirus.
According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control, there were almost 500 outbreaks of norovirus in U.S. states surveyed from August to December 2024, a significant rise from the same time period in 2023. What’s more, the CDC reports that norovirus outbreaks translate to 19 to 21 million people getting sick each year from November to April.
A strain of a norovirus called GII.17, appears to be increasing the number of cases — two new types of this strain have been found circulating, according to research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. About 900 people die of norovirus every year (mostly patients over the age of 65), and 109,000 people are hospitalized with it, reports the American Medical Association.
For many people, though, norovirus turns out to be just an especially nasty stomach bug. “It can cause severe short-lived symptoms, but typically resolves quickly without treatment,” says Pratima Dibba, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist practicing in New York City.
If you get norovirus, what specific symptoms could you be in for? And most importantly, how do you get this virus to go bye-bye as quickly as possible? Read on for everything you need to know — plus, a little advice on how you can hopefully avoid getting sick in the first place.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Norovirus comes on fast and rocks you like a hurricane. Expect symptoms to include:
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea (often watery, according to Dr. Chung)
Pain in your stomach
A headache (in some people)
Aches all over your body (in some people)
A fever (in some people).
Dr. Chung adds that some experience both fatigue and dehydration, as well. “Symptoms usually develop within 12-48 hours after being exposed,” she explains.
How long do symptoms last?
They peak at 24 to 48 hours but can last up to 72 hours, says Dr. Dibba. Norovirus tends to hit hard and then fade fairly quickly. Symptoms do ramp up in intensity, however.
Once you pass that rough patch, you’ll most likely find yourself starting to feel better. “Recovery typically occurs within 1-3 days, though symptoms can persist longer in severe cases, in the elderly, or in persons with other health problems,” says Dr. Chung. It’s vital that you don’t push yourself to be up and moving too quickly. Getting lots of rest is key to regaining your strength, Dr. Dibba points out, so take it easy and sleep.
How to feel better faster
“To speed up recovery from norovirus, you should focus on managing your symptoms,” says Dr. Chung. “It’s important to stay hydrated by sipping on water, drinking clear broth, or other oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids. While your body is fighting off the infection, you should eat small, frequent meals and stick to bland foods that are easy on the stomach.”
The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) can work well. Try a little food and see how you feel, then eat a little more as you can tolerate it. “Avoid aggravating GI symptoms by not eating spicy foods, citrus, foods, dairy or fiber-rich foods,” says Dr. Dibba.
Over-the-counter meds can help, too. “You can take antiemetics and anti-diarrheals if your symptoms are truly severe,” says Dr. Dibba.
Check with your healthcare provider before you take anything to make sure any remedies are safe for you.
When are you no longer contagious?
“There are several things you can do to avoid infecting other people,” says Dr. Chung. ∫You should wait around 48 hours after your symptoms have resolved before returning to school or work, to avoid spreading the infection to others. This decision should be made with your doctor.”
Know too that norovirus can remain in your feces for two weeks after your symptoms ease — and you can be infectious that entire time. “You can avoid infecting others by following proper hygiene techniques, including washing your hands frequently with soap and water,” says Dr. Dibba. “Avoid sharing food or preparing food for others until two days after your symptoms resolve.” Since you can still spread the virus after becoming asymptomatic, be responsible and avoid touching anyone you’re around or using communal surfaces. You should absolutely be considerate and let others know you’ve been sick, too.
How to prevent norovirus
Follow these important steps to lower your chances of getting sick:
Wash your hands a ton! Especially after you use the bathroom or change a diaper. Also, always wash your hands before you handle food or eat anything. FYI: Hand sanitizer does not work against norovirus germs. The right way to prevent infection is by washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Cook shellfish at a temperature above 145 degrees to kill any virus that might be present before you eat it.
Wash all fruits and veggies thoroughly before you make a salad or have a snack.
Avoid contact with anyone you know who has stomach distress.
Be smart about where you eat out. If a restaurant doesn’t look clean, trust your gut and choose another place to enjoy your meal.
If any surface you use becomes contaminated with poop or vomit, put on rubber gloves, wipe it up, then disinfect it with a chlorine bleach solution. The CDC recommends a concentration of five to 25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water. You can also use a disinfectant that’s labeled to kill norovirus. Leave the chemical on the surface for five minutes, and then wash the surface using hot water, soap and paper towels, and throw the paper towels and your gloves in the trash outside.
Use common sense, and take practical precautions. Anything you can do to keep yourself and your family well is worth it.
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