Ah, the classic signs of winter: freezing temperatures, icy roads and empty tissue boxes.
It’s no secret that winter is a time when illnesses are prominent. Coughs, colds and viruses are seemingly running rampant, thanks to drier air and an increase in time spent indoors.
Unfortunately, this year there is a rising number of norovirus outbreaks, otherwise known as a “stomach bug,” according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In December, the CDC reported 91 cases of norovirus, more than double the highest number recorded between 2021 and 2024.
Here’s what you need to know about norovirus and how to avoid getting sick this season.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is an extremely contagious illness that commonly causes vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines. Norovirus spreads very easily and quickly in different ways. You can get norovirus by:
- Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, like caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.
- Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
- Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.
You can still spread norovirus for 2 weeks or more after you feel better.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramping
- Urinating less or having dark-colored pee
- Dry mouth
- Feeling weak
- Dizziness
Treatment
Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days. There is no specific medicine to treat people with norovirus illness. Antibiotic drugs will not help treat norovirus infections because they fight bacteria, not viruses. Here’s what you can do to treat norovirus:
- Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broth, or electrolyte solutions.
- Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, as they can worsen dehydration.
- Get plenty of rest to allow your body to recover.
- Eat bland, easily digestible foods such as rice, toast, and bananas.
- Avoid fatty, spicy, or acidic foods that may irritate your stomach.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Disinfect surfaces that may have been contaminated.
- Avoid contact with others as much as possible.
Symptoms of norovirus are likely to appear 12-48 hours after exposure. Most people with norovirus illness recover in one to three days, however it can be contagious for up to two weeks. The CDC recommends staying home for two days after you feel the symptoms subside. Though hand sanitizer does not kill norovirus, wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Disinfectants, including Lysol products, should kill the virus when used to wipe down surfaces. It is possible to get norovirus multiple times as there are multiple strands of noroviruses. Infection with one type of norovirus may not protect you against other types.
Norovirus vs. Influenza
Norovirus and influenza (flu) are both highly contagious viruses that can cause illness, but they have distinct characteristics. Key differences include: norovirus affects the gastrointestinal system, while the flu affects the respiratory system; norovirus causes more vomiting and diarrhea, while the flu causes more coughing and sore throat; norovirus has a shorter incubation period and duration than the flu; and the flu is more likely to cause complications, especially in vulnerable populations.
| Norovirus | Influenza | |
| Symptoms | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache | Fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, fatigue |
| Transmission | Spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces | Spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing |
| Onset | Symptoms typically appear within 12-48 hours after exposure | Symptoms usually develop 1-4 days after exposure |
| Duration | Most people recover within 1-3 days | Illness can last for 5-7 days or longer |
| Complications | Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance | Pneumonia, bacterial infections, respiratory failure |
| Prevention | Wash hands frequently, avoid touching contaminated surfaces, and cook food thoroughly | Get an annual flu vaccine, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when sick |
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and individual symptoms and severity may vary. If you experience any concerning symptoms — severe dehydration, fever, abdominal pain, or bloody stools — seek medical attention promptly.
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