Symptoms and spread
It hits suddenly: vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea, sometimes with a low fever and aches. Most people recover in 1–3 days, but young kids and older adults can get dehydrated. Just a few virus particles can make you sick, and it spreads through contaminated hands, surfaces, food, raw oysters, and aerosolized vomit.
Prevention and cleanup
Alcohol-based sanitizer doesn't reliably kill norovirus, so wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Clean up vomit with gloves and disinfect with a chlorine bleach solution. Don't prepare food for others for at least 2 days after symptoms stop. For hydration tips, see gastroenteritis.
This article is general health information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
FAQ
- Can you get norovirus more than once?
- Yes. Immunity is short-lived and there are many strains.
- Will antibiotics help?
- No. It's a virus; fluids and electrolytes are the treatment.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-26
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Norovirus. CDC.
- Robilotti, E., Deresinski, S., & Pinsky, B. A. (2015). Norovirus. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 28(1), 134–164.
- 식품의약품안전처. 노로바이러스 식중독 예방요령.