Norovirus Infection

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2025.

What is a norovirus infection?

A norovirus infection is a type of foodborne illness. The virus duplicates in your intestines and causes symptoms.

What increases my risk for a norovirus infection?

Eating contaminated food, such as raw or undercooked seafood, fruits, and vegetables
Swimming in a community pool or hot tub that does not contain enough chlorine
Touching something that has norovirus, such as a surface or object
Sharing objects with a person who has a norovirus infection
Breathing in droplets that contain norovirus from vomit or bowel movement that was sprayed into the air
Spending time in a crowded place, such as on a cruise ship

What are the signs and symptoms of a norovirus infection?

Symptoms are usually worst for children younger than 5 years and adults older than 65. You may have any of the following:

Diarrhea
Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain or cramps
Fever
Muscle pain or a headache
In babies, signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers or crying without tears

How is a norovirus infection diagnosed and treated?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and the foods you have eaten recently. Your provider will ask when you last ate, and where you were. Your provider may want to know if anyone who ate with you is also sick. Your provider will examine your abdomen and check for signs of dehydration. Dehydration can happen if you have diarrhea or are vomiting. You may need IV fluids if you become severely dehydrated. Any of the following may be used to diagnose a norovirus infection:

Bowel movement tests may show norovirus.
Blood tests may show if you are dehydrated or have signs of infection or inflammation.

How can I manage a norovirus infection?

Drink liquids as directed. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day, and which liquids are best for you. You may also need to drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS). An ORS has the right amounts of sugar, salt, and minerals in water to replace body fluids.
Eat bland foods. When you feel hungry, begin eating soft, bland foods. Examples are bananas, clear soup, potatoes, and applesauce. Do not have dairy products, alcohol, sugary drinks, or drinks with caffeine until you feel better. Avoid eating high-fat or fast foods.
Eat small meals throughout the day. Your stomach may tolerate small meals every 2 to 3 hours instead of 3 large meals.
Ask your provider before you take medicines to stop your diarrhea. This may make the infection last longer or cause other side effects.
Rest as much as possible. Slowly start to do more each day when you begin to feel better.

How can I prevent a norovirus infection?

Norovirus can be spread for several weeks after you start to feel better. The following can help prevent the virus from spreading:

Wash your hands often. Wash your hands with soap and water several times each day. Wash before you prepare or eat food, and after you use the bathroom or change a child's diaper. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Prepare food safely. Keep raw meat, seafood, and eggs separate. Keep these away from other kinds of foods, such as fruits and vegetables. If possible, use separate cutting boards and knives for each kind of food. You can also wash cutting boards, cutting utensils, and dishes as you go. Use hot water and dish soap to wash items. Rinse each item under running water. Do not put food on any unwashed dish that raw meat, seafood, or eggs were on.
Cook food all the way through. Cook eggs until the yolks are firm. Use a meat thermometer to make sure meat is heated to a temperature that will kill germs. Do not eat raw or undercooked chicken, turkey, seafood, or beef.
Store food properly. Refrigerate or freeze cooked foods and leftovers. Store raw and cooked foods separately.
Learn safe canning methods if you can food at home. Boil any food that has been canned or vacuum packaged at home. Boil it at 176°F (80°C) for 30 minutes or at 212°F (100°C) for 10 minutes.
Prevent exposure to norovirus. Norovirus easily spreads from person to person. Avoid close contact with others until your symptoms are gone, or as directed. Do not swim in public pools or go to work or school until you have had no diarrhea for 1 day. Do not share items with a person who has a norovirus infection. Do not touch items the person uses with your bare hands. Wash your hands after you provide any care to the person.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

You have a seizure.
You have chest pain.
You have trouble breathing.

When should I seek immediate care?

You see blood in your vomit or diarrhea.
You feel like you are going to faint.
You have severe abdominal pain.
Your abdomen is hard and swollen, and you are constipated.
You have black or bright red bowel movements.
You have severe nausea and are vomiting.
Your mouth is dry, your lips are cracked, and you are thirsty.
You are urinating less than usual or not at all.
Your heartbeat or breathing is faster than usual.

When should I call my doctor?

You have a fever.
Your diarrhea or vomiting gets worse.
You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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