Is norovirus the same thing as a stomach bug?
Winter often feels like the worst season for getting sick, with respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and influenza and stomach bugs leaving you and your loved ones struggling with severe coughing, fevers, vomiting and diarrhea and more. One of the most dreaded common winter illnesses? Norovirus.
Is norovirus the same thing as a regular stomach bug? Is there any way to keep from catching it if someone close to you gets sick? Meghan Williams, PA, answered our questions on norovirus and how to stop the spread.
What is norovirus? Is norovirus the same as a stomach bug?
“Norovirus has been dubbed the ‘winter vomiting disease,’ since it really seems to have a preference for popping up during the winter season,” said Williams. “It’s one of the most common causes of acute gastroenteritis.”
Williams noted that stomach bugs can be caused by bacteria, while norovirus is a viral infection. Symptoms are so similar that they are often confused, but the available treatments are very different.
What causes norovirus? How is it spread?
“Norovirus is caused by a type of RNA virus, and it infects humans and other animals,” said Williams. “Unfortunately for us, it’s able to mutate rapidly and create new strains, which means it’s hard for our bodies to learn how to resist infection.”
The virus spreads from person to person primarily through what is called the fecal-oral route, or through touching objects or interacting with the environment around us where the virus may be. Infection is common through foods like leafy greens, fresh fruits and shellfish. Many people become infected simply through touching a doorknob, countertop, sink or any other surface that an infected person touched as well.
How long does it take to recover from norovirus?
“Generally, you’ll return to feeling normal within two weeks after the onset of the illness,” said Williams. “The symptoms norovirus is most famous for, like vomiting or diarrhea, usually last for about 48–72 hours.”
While sick with norovirus, you may also feel chills, develop a fever, experience headaches and body aches or, in rare cases, become severely dehydrated.
Is norovirus dangerous?
“In most cases, the norovirus is more miserable than it is dangerous,” said Williams. “Just like with influenza and other viral infections, the illness is more concerning in older adults, infants less than a year old and those who are immunocompromised.”
People who are otherwise healthy and don’t fit within those higher risk categories should clear the infection fully within a couple of weeks.
How is norovirus treated? Can you treat it at home?
“Norovirus will improve on its own in most cases,” said Williams. “The most important thing you can do when you become ill is to stay hydrated and keep up with your nutrition. This can be more challenging than it sounds, since you may struggle to keep food or liquids down, but there are choices you can make on what you eat or drink that your body is more likely to tolerate.”
Williams recommends a bland diet that focuses on easy-to-digest foods like crackers, bread, applesauce, broths, oats, noodles and other light soup. She also noted that you should avoid any liquids that have a lot of sugar, like juice, soda and alcohol.
Electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte or Gatorade can help with mild to moderate dehydration, and chicken broth is also perfect for staying hydrated.
Antibiotics aren’t helpful, as norovirus is a viral infection rather than a bacterial one, and they can actually make the illness worse. Medications that control nausea may help.
When should you seek medical care while sick with norovirus?
“In most cases, infection with norovirus won’t require medical attention. For those in the higher risk groups, it’s important to keep a close eye even during home treatment. If the sick person is unable to maintain hydration or runs a high fever or a fever that isn’t responding to treatment, those would both be good reasons to seek medical attention.”
Williams added that diarrhea or vomiting that lasts longer than 1–3 days is also a sign that you should see a doctor.
Signs of dehydration include:
- Decreased urination, either in how often you go or in how much you’re able to produce. In infants, this is most easily seen if the baby is creating few or no wet diapers.
- Urine that is darker than usual.
- Eyes that seem sunken or hollow.
- Feeling thirsty even after trying to hydrate.
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, especially when you stand up.
- Feeling fatigued and weak.
- Confusion or lethargy, especially in older adults.
- Feeling like your mouth, tongue or throat are dry and uncomfortable.
- Rapid heart rate.
- In younger infants, a sunken soft spot is often a sign of severe dehydration.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s vitally important to hydrate. If you or your loved one is unable to hydrate effectively at home, seek medical attention quickly.
How can you keep from catching norovirus?
“I cannot emphasize this enough,” said Williams. “The key to preventing infection with norovirus is safe hand hygiene, at home and also when you’re out and about. Avoid physical contact with someone who has the virus, and if you become sick, avoid physical contact with others. Wash your hands frequently using soap and water, making sure you lather and scrub your hands for 20 seconds before rinsing. Dry your hands on a paper towel and discard it or use a single-use towel that is then washed.”
If you live in close contact with someone who becomes ill with the virus, like a child or family member, wash your hands after every contact and make sure to frequently clean surfaces throughout the home.
Find the care you need, close to home
Our primary care physicians provide well visits and everyday care when you need it with compassion and expertise.
Find Primary Care Near You