Common Symptoms of Norovirus You Should Know

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 28, 2024

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Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that can affect anyone, causing a sudden onset of gastrointestinal illness. It spreads easily through direct contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth, or by consuming food or water that's been contaminated with the virus. If you've been near someone who has norovirus, the best way to dodge getting sick is by washing your hands frequently. But keep in mind, norovirus spreads like wildfire. While outbreaks can happen any time of the year, they're more common between November and April.

Diarrhea

One of the primary symptoms of norovirus is diarrhea, which often strikes suddenly. This unpleasant symptom typically begins 12 to 48 hours after you're exposed to the virus and can last from one to three days. Most folks recover without any serious issues, but frequent diarrhea can be risky for young children and older adults because it can lead to dehydration in a hurry.

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Nausea and Vomiting

Alongside diarrhea, nausea and vomiting often hit quickly as well. These symptoms make it tough for someone battling norovirus to keep anything down, which can further contribute to dehydration. When you're losing fluids from both ends, staying hydrated becomes a real challenge, especially for the very young and the elderly.

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Stomach Ache

Stomach pain is another common symptom that comes with norovirus. In a study focusing on military trainees with the virus, 76% of the 99 participants reported experiencing abdominal pain. This discomfort might feel like cramping or gas pains, and you might even hear your stomach making noises during these painful episodes.

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Fever

Some individuals with norovirus may develop a fever. In the same study of military trainees, 47% reported having a fever or chills. If you do get a fever, it's usually low-grade—between 99.5°F and 100.3°F. As rough as it feels, a fever is actually a sign that your body is working hard to fight off the virus. So, it's best to rest up, drink plenty of fluids, and let your body do its thing.

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Headaches

Headaches are another symptom some people experience with norovirus. This could be directly related to the virus or might be an early sign of dehydration due to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea. Even if you're struggling to keep things down, it's crucial to sip on liquids frequently to help fend off dehydration.

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Sore Muscles

Body aches and sore muscles can also signal norovirus infection. Sometimes, the vomiting episodes are so intense they strain your abdominal muscles, causing soreness. Additionally, feeling generally unwell can lead to muscle aches throughout the body. Rest and warm baths might help ease this discomfort.

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Chills

Chills might accompany other symptoms of norovirus, especially if you have a fever. These chills are your body's way of trying to regulate its temperature as it battles the infection. While they can be uncomfortable, they are a typical part of the body's defense mechanism.

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Home Treatment

There's no specific cure for norovirus, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing dehydration. Get plenty of rest and drink fluids like Pedialyte for young children. Older kids and adults can opt for sports drinks, broth, or popsicles. Steer clear of beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, or lots of sugar—especially for little ones—as these can make diarrhea worse. Infants should continue their regular breastfeeding or formula routine to minimize dehydration risks. Most people bounce back from norovirus within a few days, but that's not always the case for everyone.

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When to See a Doctor

Dehydration is the biggest concern with norovirus, particularly for young children and older adults. Symptoms like fever, vomiting, and diarrhea can quickly lead to fluid loss, making it tough to replace what's lost. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth and throat, dizziness, fatigue, and reduced urine output. Babies and toddlers might have fewer wet diapers, seem unusually sleepy, or cry without producing tears. If norovirus symptoms linger for several days and signs of dehydration appear, it's important to see a doctor promptly. Some individuals may benefit from oral rehydration solutions, but others might need hospital care for intravenous fluids.

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