Infectious Diseases
Norovirus
Our infectious disease specialists are here for you when norovirus causes severe symptoms. We help relieve your symptoms and prevent dehydration.
Medically reviewed by Dean Blumberg, M.D. on Sep. 06, 2023.
What Is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a gastrointestinal illness caused by a group of viruses. When you ingest (take in) tiny bits of virus, the virus attacks your stomach and intestines. Norovirus illnesses are also known as “stomach flu” or gastroenteritis.
Norovirus causes diarrhea and vomiting that lasts for several days. These illnesses are highly contagious. Norovirus can lead to severe dehydration, a serious condition requiring hospitalization.
When norovirus symptoms are severe, the infectious disease specialists at UC Davis Health provide treatment. We help you stay hydrated and recover.
On this page
Norovirus Symptoms
Norovirus infections cause stomach upset and intestinal symptoms.
Common Symptoms
If you have a norovirus infection, expect to have symptoms for a few days. You may have:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Pain in your stomach
- Weakness
Emergency Symptoms
Norovirus usually resolves on its own. But dehydration is a serious complication. Seek immediate medical treatment if you have severe dehydration symptoms:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Excessive thirst
- Fainting
- Fast breathing or heart rate
Norovirus Causes
Anyone can get norovirus. Viruses from the Caliciviridae family cause this highly contagious illness. Viruses spread when you:
Eat or Drink Contaminated Food or Water
If you eat food or drink water contaminated by a norovirus, you can become infected.
Share Cups, Eating Utensils or Toothbrushes
When you share items that someone with norovirus has used, you may ingest virus particles.
Touch Infected Objects
Norovirus particles in the air can settle on objects and surfaces. You can get norovirus if you touch them and then put your fingers in your mouth.
Diagnosing Norovirus
At UC Davis Health, we talk with you about your symptoms. We usually diagnose norovirus without any tests to confirm the condition.
Sometimes, providers collect a stool sample for testing. Specialists in our Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine examine the sample to look for noroviruses.
Norovirus Treatments
There’s no specific treatment for norovirus. It will get better on its own. To ease your symptoms, our specialists may recommend that you:
Drink More Fluids
Drinking extra liquids helps replenish fluids you’ve lost through diarrhea and vomiting.
Eat Bland Foods
As nausea eases, eating small amounts of bland foods like bananas and rice can soothe your stomach.
Rest
Extra rest and sleep help you regain your strength.
Receive IV Fluids
When norovirus symptoms are severe, our infectious disease specialists provide intravenous (IV) fluids. We insert a thin tube (catheter) in your arm to deliver fluids through your veins. These extra fluids treat severe dehydration.
Norovirus Prevention
Norovirus spreads fast because it’s so contagious. But there are some things you can do to help prevent it from spreading.
Clean Frequently
Use a household cleaner with bleach to clean objects and wipe surfaces regularly.
Wash Your Hands Often
Use soap and water to wash your hands thoroughly for about 20 seconds. Do this before you eat or prepare food and after using the bathroom.
Wear Gloves
Put on plastic or rubber gloves before handling items used by an infected person. Wear gloves when changing diapers.
Use Hot Water to Clean Laundry
Wash clothing and other fabrics with stool or vomit on them in very hot water.
Who does norovirus affect?
1 in 15People in the U.S. each year
Annual deaths
900Americans, mostly adults 65 and older, die from norovirus each year
Source: National Foundation for Infectious Diseases: Norovirus
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