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The main symptoms of norovirus usually start suddenly and may include:
You may also have:
Although it's sometimes called the winter vomiting bug, you can get norovirus at any time of year.
If you or your child have norovirus, you can usually treat it at home.
You'll usually start to feel better in 2 to 3 days.
Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
stay at home and get plenty of rest
drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick
carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they're being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual
give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds
eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy
take paracetamol if you're in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child
do not have fruit juice or fizzy drinks – they can make diarrhoea worse
do not make baby formula weaker – use it at its usual strength
do not give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea
do not give aspirin to children under 16
Speak to a pharmacist if you or your child (aged 5 years or over) have norovirus and:
They may recommend oral rehydration powder that you mix with water to make a drink.
Norovirus is caused by a virus that spreads through poo. It can spread to others very easily.
You can catch norovirus from:
There are things you can do when you have norovirus to help prevent infecting others.
wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet or changing nappies (alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus)
wash your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving or eating food
wash clothes and bedding that has poo or vomit on it on a 60°C wash and separately from other laundry
clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles
avoid contact with others as much as possible
do not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for 2 days
do not visit others in hospitals or places like care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for 2 days
111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
