You’re feeling on top of the world one minute and then, mere hours later, you’re in bed, holding on for dear life. Or so it may feel. Few things can bring you down like norovirus. It comes on fast and often leaves little time to get home to the comfort of your couch or the safety of your bathroom before the worst of it strikes.

If you’ve ever experienced norovirus, you’ve probably asked some or all of these questions: How long will it last? How do I feel better? And could you bring me some ginger ale and saltines, please?

We’ll get to the bottom of this bothersome bug as we discuss where norovirus comes from, what symptoms to look out for and how to treat it. We’ll also tell you the most important thing about this nasty microbe: How to avoid it.

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that is the leading cause of gastroenteritis, which is a general term for inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and intestines.

Norovirus can occur at any time during the year, but it’s sometimes known as “the winter vomiting bug” since it can be common during cold and flu season. For its proper name, we can thank Norwalk, Ohio, where an outbreak in 1968 put the virus on the map. It was originally called the “Norwalk agent,” but over the years it’s become simply known as norovirus.

Symptoms of norovirus

Norovirus symptoms typically begin 1-2 days after ingesting the virus, but some people may notice symptoms as soon as 12 hours after exposure.

The most common symptoms of norovirus include:

Less common norovirus symptoms include:

  • Slight fever
  • Achy limbs
  • Headache

Norovirus symptoms vs. food poisoning

It can be hard to tell the difference between norovirus symptoms and symptoms of other types of food poisoning. But the best clue is how soon symptoms begin after you’ve been exposed, and how long they last.

Generally, the onset of other types of food poisoning happens much more quickly and runs its course faster too. Many people see symptom relief in hours, rather than days.

Norovirus symptoms vs. flu symptoms

Generally speaking, the most common norovirus symptoms and influenza symptoms are very different. But there may be similarities for some people.

Symptoms for both illnesses can come on very fast and both can cause body aches and headache. But vomiting and diarrhea are the hallmarks of norovirus. These usually don’t occur with the flu, although sometimes children with the flu may experience them.

Also, the length of the illness is very different. Typically, flu symptoms can last 5-7 days, sometimes even longer. As we mentioned above, norovirus symptoms typically pass within about 48 hours. Plus, the flu will have you coughing with tiredness, weakness and some congestion that can last weeks. These symptoms are not present for norovirus.

Who is most at risk for severe norovirus symptoms?

Norovirus is an equal opportunity virus – it will infect anyone. But not everyone can bounce back as easily as your average healthy adult. Dehydration is the biggest threat to children, people with diabetes and the elderly. When left unchecked, dehydration can cause serious complications. Symptoms of dehydration to watch for include:

  • Crying without tears (babies and toddlers)
  • Sunken eyes
  • Dark urine
  • Lightheadedness
  • Fatigue

Causes of norovirus and how it spreads

Norovirus is spread from person to person, but what causes norovirus? Noroviruses are found in the stool (poop) or vomit of infected people, so the bug is most often spread to surfaces and foods by infected people who didn’t wash their hands adequately after going to the bathroom.

That means you can become infected with norovirus by:

  • Eating or drinking foods that have been contaminated by the virus.
  • Eating uncooked shellfish from contaminated waters.
  • Touching contaminated surfaces or objects, and then touching your mouth or eating without thoroughly washing your hands first.

Is norovirus an airborne illness?

Not usually. As we mentioned earlier, norovirus is most often transferred to foods, water or surfaces by an infected person who hasn’t washed their hands well enough. That said, it can also be caused by tiny particles from vomit spray that land on surfaces or enter a person’s mouth.

Technically, there isn’t such a thing as the “stomach flu,” but it’s become a general term used to describe tummy troubles such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and nausea. And it’s true that symptoms like these are often caused by a norovirus.

But calling it a “flu” is incorrect. Flu is short for influenza, which is a respiratory illness caused by an entirely different virus. Influenza rarely causes vomiting and diarrhea, which we’ll talk about more below.

Is there a norovirus vaccine?

Unlike the flu, there’s no norovirus vaccine, and it can’t be treated with antibiotics because it’s a virus. There is comfort, however, in knowing you’re not going to get it again for a while. If you’ve had norovirus, your body has built up immunity to that strain. You’re in the clear, at least for another year. As with colds and the flu, norovirus adapts and usually changes from year to year. When that happens, you’re unfortunately no longer immune to it.

Can we predict how bad norovirus outbreaks will be each year?

There’s no way of knowing if any given year will be particularly bad for norovirus outbreaks. The best precaution is to use commonsense health and hygiene practices. Keep those hands washed, get enough sleep and drink plenty of water.

How long does norovirus last?

It may not feel like it when you first have it, but norovirus won’t make you sick forever. The only good thing to be said about it is that it goes by quickly. Symptoms come on pretty fast, but they leave just as swiftly. Norovirus symptoms last an average of 48 hours, so take it as easy as possible and ride out the norovirus, knowing it won’t last much longer.

The best treatment options for norovirus

Treat norovirus the same way you’d treat any stomach bug. Be kind to yourself and try to do the following:

  • Drink lots of liquids – While you may not want to drink anything, it’s important to stay as hydrated as possible if you’re vomiting or having diarrhea. Sports drinks and other electrolyte replacements work great.
  • Stay home – If you are still experiencing diarrhea and vomiting, stay home until those symptoms pass. Also consider isolating from others in your household if possible. For example, use a separate bathroom to help limit the spread. This will not only help you rest and feel more comfortable, but also reduce the risk of you spreading the illness to others.
    • In fact, you can still transmit the virus days after it’s run its course, so be careful when returning to work or school.
  • Reintroduce food slowly – Once your symptoms begin to lessen, a great way to start reintroducing food is using the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) which is easy on your stomach.

If you’re caring for someone with norovirus, be very careful to disinfect their surroundings and wash your hands frequently. Keep a close eye on children with norovirus – they can become dehydrated more quickly than adults.

Remember, help is here if and when you need it

Norovirus, while unpleasant, will typically run its course within 48 hours. Take the self-care steps mentioned above and reach out to your clinic if you need more home remedies. If you’re a HealthPartners patient or plan member and you need advice after clinic hours, you can call our CareLine at 800-551-0859 or 952-993-4665.