Norovirus spreads very easily in public places such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools. You can catch it if small particles of vomit or stools poo from an infected person get into your mouth through: close contact with someone with norovirus who may breathe out small particles of the virus that you then inhale touching contaminated surfaces or objects, as the virus can survive outside the body for several days eating contaminated food, which can happen if an infected person doesn't wash their hands before preparing or handling food Norovirus is most infectious from the start of symptoms until 48 hours after all symptoms have stopped.
Preventing norovirus It's not always possible to avoid getting norovirus, but following the advice below can help stop the virus spreading. You should: stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the norovirus symptoms have stopped avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water particularly after using the toilet and before preparing or handling food be aware alcohol-based hand gels don't kill the virus Maintain basic hygiene and cleaning to help stop the spread of norovirus by: disinfecting any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated, using a bleach-based household cleaner.
There's no treatment for norovirus, so you have to let it run its course. You can also: take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains get plenty of rest use special rehydration drinks, available from community pharmacies if you have signs of dehydration , such as a dry mouth or dark urine If you feel like eating, try plain foods, such as soup, rice, pasta and bread.
When to get medical advice You don't normally need to see your GP if you think you or your child has norovirus, as there's no specific treatment for it. Urgent advice: Speak to your GP or phone if:. Last updated:. Learn steps you can take to help protect yourself and others from getting infected with and sick from norovirus. Norovirus is sometimes called the stomach flu or stomach bug. However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu which is caused by influenza virus. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.
Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. About Norovirus. Thoroughly washing your hands, especially after going to the toilet, changing nappies or before preparing food, is essential to prevent spreading the illness to others. Disinfect surfaces. Thoroughly clean hard surfaces, such as door handles, taps and kitchen surfaces, with hot water, detergents and disinfectant. Wash soiled clothes straightaway at 60 degrees or higher.
This will reduce the risk of others coming into contact with the virus. Getting medical help. If you become severely dehydrated, you may need hospital treatment with fluids given through a vein in your arm an intravenous drip. More by this author. NHS Inform. Patient — Professional Reference. MSD Manuals. BMJ Best Practice. More discover articles Age-related memory loss or dementia? More discover articles. Did you find our advice helpful? Complete the survey. Our latest articles Discover. Read this article.
A GP may speak to you on the phone. Page last reviewed: 17 June Next review due: 17 June Norovirus vomiting bug. Check if you have norovirus The main symptoms of norovirus are: feeling sick nausea diarrhoea being sick vomiting You may also have: a high temperature a headache aching arms and legs The symptoms start suddenly within 1 to 2 days of being infected.
How to treat norovirus yourself You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. You will usually start to feel better in 2 to 3 days.
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