Norovirus

Norovirus is often called the "winter vomiting bug", but you can catch it any time of year. It's a stomach bug that makes you feel very unwell but usually gets better on its own in about 2 days.

What Are the Signs?

The main signs of norovirus usually start suddenly:

• Feeling sick
• Being sick (throwing up)
• Runny poo (diarrhoea)

You might also have:

• High temperature
• Headache
• Tummy pain
• Body aches

How to Look After Yourself at Home

The most important thing is to drink plenty of fluids to stop you getting dehydrated (when your body doesn't have enough water).

Do:

• Stay at home and rest
• Drink lots of water or squash - take small sips if you feel sick
• Keep breast or bottle feeding your baby - if they're being sick, try smaller feeds more often
• Give babies small sips of water between their usual feeds
• Eat when you feel able to - avoid fatty or spicy foods
• Take paracetamol if you're uncomfortable - check the packet before giving it to children

Don't:

• Drink fruit juice or fizzy drinks - these make runny poo worse
• Make baby formula weaker than usual
• Give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea
• Give aspirin to children under 16

How Does Norovirus Spread?

Norovirus spreads through poo and is very catching. You can get it from:

• Being close to someone who has it
• Touching surfaces with the virus on them, then touching your mouth
• Eating food prepared by someone with norovirus
• Drinking unclean water

Stopping It Spreading to Others

Do:

• Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet or changing nappies (hand gels don't kill norovirus)
• Wash your hands before preparing or eating food
• Wash clothes and bedding with poo or sick on them at 60°C, separately from other washing
• Clean toilet seats, handles, taps and door handles
• Stay away from other people as much as possible

Don't:

• Go to school, nursery or work until you've not been sick or had diarrhoea for 2 days
• Visit hospitals or care homes until you've been well for 2 days

When to Get Help

Call 111 now if:

• You're worried about a baby under 12 months
• A child under 5 has signs of dehydration (fewer wet nappies)
• You or your child keep being sick and can't keep fluids down
• You have bloody diarrhoea
• Diarrhoea lasts more than 7 days or vomiting more than 2 days

Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child:

• Vomit blood or sick that looks like coffee grounds
• Have green sick (adults) or yellow-green sick (children)
• Have a stiff neck with pain when looking at bright lights
• Have sudden, severe headache or tummy pain
• Have blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue
• Are having trouble breathing

A pharmacist can also help if you're over 5 and have signs of dehydration. They might suggest special drinks to help replace the fluids you've lost.

Remember, norovirus is unpleasant but usually gets better by itself. If you're worried about any symptoms, speak to your GP for advice.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.