Norovirus: Stopping the Winter "Stomach Bug"

Norovirus in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Norovirus is the leading cause of the “stomach bug” (acute gastroenteritis) in the United States. It causes sudden vomiting and diarrhea, spreads extremely easily, and tends to surge in late fall through early spring — moving quickly through Grand Rapids schools, daycares, workplaces, nursing homes, and households. It’s very contagious, but a few simple habits go a long way toward stopping it.

Symptoms

Norovirus symptoms usually start 12–48 hours after exposure:

• Vomiting (often sudden)
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Sometimes a low fever, headache, and body aches

Most people feel better in 1 to 3 days, but you can still spread the virus for days after you recover.

How it spreads

Norovirus is in the vomit and stool of infected people. You can catch it by:

• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated
• Touching contaminated surfaces, then your mouth
• Close contact with someone who is sick

It only takes a tiny amount of virus to make you sick, which is why outbreaks spread so fast.

Prevent it

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water — especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food. Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus, so soap and water is best.
• Rinse fruits and vegetables and cook shellfish thoroughly.
• Don’t prepare food for others while sick and for at least 2 days after symptoms stop.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces with a bleach-based product, and wash soiled laundry on the hottest setting.

Care for it at home

There’s no specific medicine for norovirus — the main risk is dehydration, especially in young children and older adults.

• Drink plenty of fluids — water and oral rehydration solutions. Take small, frequent sips.
• Rest, and return to bland foods as tolerated.

Seek medical care if you or your child has signs of dehydration: little or no urination, dry mouth and throat, dizziness when standing, few or no tears, or unusual sleepiness or fussiness. Babies, older adults, and people with other health problems can get dehydrated quickly — don’t wait to call your doctor or visit urgent care.