--- title: "Norovirus: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers" description: "A plain-English guide to norovirus (the winter vomiting bug) — symptoms, how to recover, and when to seek help." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/norovirus/ robots: noindex --- # Norovirus: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers Health A–Z A plain-English guide to norovirus (the winter vomiting bug) — symptoms, how to recover, and when to seek help. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is norovirus? Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that causes sudden vomiting and diarrhoea. Most people recover within 2 to 3 days with rest and plenty of fluids. Stay off work or school until 48 hours after symptoms stop, and seek help if you cannot keep fluids down or show signs of dehydration. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Norovirus, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 7 sections ## Key facts about norovirus - Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the UK. - Symptoms start suddenly — often vomiting and watery diarrhoea. - Very infectious — spreads easily in households, hospitals and care homes. - Stay off work or school for 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea. - Antibiotics do not work — norovirus is a virus. ## What is norovirus? Norovirus — often called the “winter vomiting bug” — is a very contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and gut). It is one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK and causes large outbreaks in winter, particularly in hospitals, care homes, schools and cruise ships. ## Symptoms Norovirus usually starts suddenly, within one to two days of infection. Symptoms can include: - nausea and vomiting — often severe at first - watery diarrhoea - stomach cramps - a mild fever, headache or aching limbs Most people feel very unwell for one to two days, then improve quickly. Vulnerable people — babies, older adults and those with weakened immune systems — can become dehydrated more easily. ## How it spreads Norovirus spreads easily through: - close contact with someone who is infected - touching contaminated surfaces then touching your mouth - eating food handled by someone with the virus Only a few virus particles are needed to cause illness. Alcohol hand gels are **less effective** against norovirus than thorough hand washing with soap and water. ## Recovering at home There is no specific cure, but most people recover with: - Frequent small sips of fluid — water, diluted squash, or oral rehydration salts from a pharmacy. - Rest — your body needs energy to fight the infection. - Plain food when ready — toast, rice, bananas, soup. Avoid fatty or spicy food until fully recovered. Do not take anti-diarrhoea medicines unless a pharmacist or doctor advises them — they can sometimes prolong illness. ## Preventing spread in your household - Wash hands thoroughly and often, especially after using the toilet and before eating. - Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and door handles with bleach-based products. - Do not share towels or flannels. - Avoid preparing food for others until 48 hours after symptoms stop. - Wash soiled clothing separately on a hot wash. ## When to seek help Contact NHS 111 or a GP if you cannot keep fluids down, show signs of dehydration, or symptoms last longer than expected. **Do not visit a GP surgery or hospital in person while you may still be infectious** unless you have been told to — call first for advice. ## Norovirus vs other tummy bugs Norovirus is one cause of gastroenteritis. Other viruses and bacteria can cause similar symptoms. If many people become ill after the same meal, **food poisoning** may be more likely — though norovirus can also spread through contaminated food. ## ! When to see a GP about norovirus Contact NHS 111 or a GP if you cannot keep fluids down for 24 hours, have signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth), still have diarrhoea after 7 days or vomiting after 2 days, or have blood in your vomit or stool. Seek urgent help for severe dehydration, confusion, or if a baby or older person is rapidly worsening. Do not visit a GP surgery or hospital in person while infectious unless advised — call first. ## Common questions about norovirus How long does norovirus last? Most people feel better within two to three days. Vomiting often settles within 24 to 48 hours, though diarrhoea can last a little longer. You remain infectious for 48 hours after symptoms stop. What is the best treatment for norovirus? Rest and plenty of fluids are the main treatment. Sip water or oral rehydration solutions frequently. Eat plain foods when you can tolerate them. There is no specific antiviral medicine for norovirus. How can I stop norovirus spreading? Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water (alcohol gel is less effective against norovirus), clean contaminated surfaces, do not prepare food for others while ill, and stay off work or school for 48 hours after symptoms end. Is norovirus the same as food poisoning? Norovirus can spread through contaminated food, but it also spreads easily from person to person. Food poisoning has many causes — see our food poisoning guide if you suspect a specific meal. When can I return to work after norovirus? Stay home for at least 48 hours after your last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea. This reduces the risk of passing the virus to colleagues, patients or classmates. ## Sources - [NHS — Norovirus (vomiting bug)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus-vomiting-bug/)