The No-Nonsense Guide To Norovirus

If you’ve ever been laid up with intense stomach cramps, endless trips to the bathroom, or nausea that comes out of nowhere, chances are you’ve encountered norovirus. Every winter, it seems to rear its very ugly head, knocking out my patients—and sometimes my own household—with a serious one-two punch.

As rampant as it may be, though, with the right knowledge, you can significantly lower your risk of getting sick or passing it along to someone else.

Quick facts about norovirus

What it is: Norovirus is the leading cause of stomach upset in the U.S., often called the “stomach bug”

Common symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and body aches

When it hits: The virus peaks in colder months, when we gather more indoors

How it spreads: Through fecal or vomit particles, contaminating surfaces for hours or days. You can shed the virus for up to two weeks after you feel better

Prevention basics: Wash your hands with soap and warm water, disinfect surfaces with bleach, avoid sharing cups and utensils, and handle food safely

Now that you have the highlights, let’s explore what norovirus really is, why it’s so contagious, and how you can protect yourself—and everyone around you—from this particularly nasty bug.

When you suddenly start vomiting or experiencing severe diarrhea, you may be quick to blame food poisoning. The rapid onset of symptoms though is a big clue that you may be dealing with norovirus, which inflames your stomach and intestines, and makes you feel wiped out. It’s also incredibly contagious, so if one person in the household catches it, it can spread fast.

Common symptoms are:

• Nausea and vomiting (often sudden and intense)
• Diarrhea (possibly severe and frequent)
• Fever or chills
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Fatigue or weakness

How norovirus spreads

Norovirus is most famously spread via fecal particles or vomit particles. Yes, it’s gross, but understanding this truth can help prevent infection. If a sick person uses the bathroom and doesn’t wash their hands thoroughly, they can easily contaminate doorknobs, faucets, and even shared food or drinks.

The virus typically spreads via:

• Person-to-person contact: Hugs, handshakes, or caring for a sick family member.
• Contaminated surfaces: Phones, light switches, remote controls—anything people touch often.
• Shared utensils or cups: Double-dipping or drinking from someone else’s cup can transmit the virus in a heartbeat.

So, why does it always feel like norovirus takes over in the colder months? Simple: We’re cooped up indoors—think holiday gatherings, game nights with friends, and spending more time cozied up with family. All that close contact (and shared snacking) gives the virus a perfect opportunity to jump from one person to another. Cooler, less humid weather also helps it survive longer on surfaces.

How long are you contagious with norovirus?

People often assume they’re no longer contagious once the vomiting and diarrhea stop. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. You can continue shedding norovirus for up to two weeks after you’ve recovered. So, yes, you might feel perfectly fine—even ready for your favorite takeout—but still be capable of infecting others.

Norovirus prevention tips that work

Wash your hands. After using the bathroom, before eating or cooking, and after coming home from public spaces, you must wash your hands. Use soap and warm water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, and don't forget under your nails and between fingers. In a pinch, you can reach for the hand sanitizer, which is better than nothing, but not as effective as handwashing.

Disinfect surfaces with bleach. Unfortunately, many regular household wipes don’t kill norovirus. So, mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water or use an EPA-registered bleach-based cleaner to really sanitize surfaces. Doorknobs, phones, light switches, remote controls, toilets, and sink handles should get daily wipe-downs if someone in your home is sick.

Practice safe food handling

• Wash produce: Rinse fruits and veggies thoroughly under running water. A produce brush helps for sturdier items.
• Cook shellfish completely: Norovirus is commonly linked to raw or undercooked shellfish.
• Separate cutting boards: Keep those you use for raw meats and those you use for produce separate.

Don’t share. If someone’s been feeling nauseated or recently sick, don’t share plates or glassware. Some households may opt to use single-use plates or cups until everyone’s well again, especially if one family member is actively ill.

Get air. Norovirus particles can become airborne when someone vomits or flushes the toilet. Open a window or run a bathroom fan to disperse the particles.

Wear a mask. While not a fail-safe, a mask can help prevent you from touching your face. Plus, if you’re cleaning up after someone who’s been sick, every layer of protection counts.

Stay home when you’re sick. Be a good citizen and contain the spread. Avoid work, school, or social events during the peak of your illness. Even after you feel normal, wait two full days before jumping back into the office or hosting a dinner party.

Q: Can vitamin C protect me from norovirus?
A: Vitamin C might give your immune system a little boost, but it won’t block norovirus. Handwashing and proper sanitation are still your best weapons.

Q: Does grape seed extract help fight norovirus?
A: Early research suggests it could interfere with the virus’s proteins, but it’s not a replacement for good hygiene or bleach-based cleaning.

Q: Will norovirus affect pregnancy?
A: Norovirus usually doesn’t affect your developing baby, but dehydration can be risky. Focus on staying hydrated and contact your health care provider if you have concerns.

Q: Why didn’t my partner catch norovirus, even though we share a bed?
A: Sometimes people get lucky or have a bit more immunity. But in general, close contact with someone who’s infected puts you at a high risk, so be extra cautious.

Q: Can I get norovirus more than once?
A: Yes—unfortunately. Norovirus has multiple strains, so you can get reinfected even a few weeks after your last bout.

What to do if you get norovirus

• Stay hydrated: Sip water, electrolyte solutions, or clear broths to replace lost fluids and prevent dehydration.
• Rest and recover: Your body needs energy to fight off the virus, so lie low for a while. Be sure to listen to your body and don’t push yourself too soon.
• Isolate if possible: Keep your distance from healthy family members and avoid sharing bathrooms if you can.
• Monitor your symptoms: If you can’t keep fluids down or notice signs of severe dehydration (like dizziness or dark urine), contact a health care provider.
• Change your diet: To get yourself back to normal as soon as possible, stick to bland, non-irritating foods like toast, bananas, rice, or crackers.
• Sanitize your space: You’ll also want to disinfect your bathroom, kitchen surfaces, and remember to sanitize or toss out your toothbrush.

Norovirus moves fast and spreads even faster. The best defense is awareness. Stay vigilant, stay hydrated, and keep those hands clean.

• Everything you should know about food poisoning risks.
• Northwell’s comprehensive approach to infectious disease.
• Is it food poisoning or the stomach flu?