What is Norovirus? 10 Things You Need to Know

Paul Willocks
Global Marketing Director

11th December 2023

Norovirus is the name given for a highly contagious group of viruses known for causing gastroenteritis in humans of all ages.

Sometimes referred to as the winter vomiting bug and extremely prevalent in healthcare environments, Norovirus can be the cause of mild to serious food poisoning symptoms.

Read on for 10 things about Norovirus from Addmaster:

1. Although known as the winter vomiting bug and certainly more active in winter, a Norovirus infection can be contracted all year round.
2. The virus can survive on surfaces for several days and transfer by hands can cause infection, as can inhaling contaminated air.
3. Norovirus is also spread via poor hand hygiene when preparing food, contaminated food produce and some shellfish, such as oysters and clams, can carry the virus too.
4. As Norovirus is highly contagious, it can spread quickly in hospitals, schools, restaurants, cruise ships and hotels and can result in closures, quarantines or fines.
5. Patients suffering from a Norovirus infection can show symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea as well as fever, headaches, stomach cramps and aching limbs.
6. These symptoms will usually start to appear within around 48 hours, lasting for 2-3 days in most cases.
7. As it is a virus, antibiotics are not affective against Norovirus infections.  The best treatment is to keep hydrated, rest well and reintroduce plain food once your stomach has settled.
8. Medical treatment, such as an anti-sickness or anti-diarrhoel medication, may be prescribed in more serious cases which have not cleared after a few days.  The NHS advises to call doctors for advice, rather than risk spreading the infection in hospitals or doctors surgeries whilst still contagious.
9. Good hygiene can reduce the risk of Norovirus spreading, including washing hands with soap and water, disinfecting any surfaces at risk and washing infected clothing or bedding at the highest recommended temperature, separate from other fabrics.
10. Patients may still be contagious up to 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, so it’s advisable to avoid going back to work, school or visiting hospitals until they are fully recovered.