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The main symptoms of norovirus usually start suddenly and may include:

You may also have:

Although it's sometimes called the winter vomiting bug, you can get norovirus at any time of year.

If you or your child have norovirus, you can usually treat it at home.

You'll usually start to feel better in 2 to 3 days.

Speak to a pharmacist if you or your child (aged 5 years or over) have norovirus and:

you have signs of dehydration, such as dark, smelly pee or peeing less than usual
you're an older person, have a weakened immune system, or have other health conditions that increase your risk of dehydration
you need to stop diarrhoea for a few hours

They may recommend oral rehydration powder that you mix with water to make a drink.

Norovirus is caused by a virus that spreads through poo. It can spread to others very easily.

You can catch norovirus from:

close contact with someone with norovirus
touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
eating food that's been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus
drinking unclean water or infected food

There are things you can do when you have norovirus to help prevent infecting others.

wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet or changing nappies (alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus)
wash your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving or eating food
wash clothes and bedding that has poo or vomit on it on a 60°C wash and separately from other laundry
clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles
avoid contact with others as much as possible

do not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for 2 days
do not visit others in hospitals or places like care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for 2 days

Page last reviewed: 31 December 2024
Next review due: 31 December 2027

Norovirus (vomiting bug)