Features

Common conditions - An essential guide to norovirus

What are the symptoms of the ‘winter vomiting bug’, how can you treat it and which measures should you follow to avoid catching it? Meredith Jones Russell reports
Norovirus is easily spread, and the best avoidance method is to wash hands regularly with soap and water
Norovirus is easily spread, and the best avoidance method is to wash hands regularly with soap and water

Norovirus, also called the ‘winter vomiting bug’, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about two days.

SYMPTOMS

TREATMENT

You can usually treat yourself or a child at home and should start to feel better in two to three days. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

You or a child should:

Adults should stay off work and children shouldn’t attend nursery until the symptoms have stopped for two days.

Do not…

Babies

HOW IT SPREADS

Norovirus can spread very easily. You can catch it from:

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop the virus from spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus. You should also clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles every day.

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