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Norovirus – Vomiting Bug

Norovirus, or winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that can cause diarrhea and vomiting. It comes with an unpleasant feeling but often goes away within two days.

Norovirus symptoms

The symptoms start within one or two days after being infected.

  • Nausea (feeling sick)
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • High temperature
  • Legs and arms ache

Norovirus causes

Norovirus can spread very quickly, so you can get norovirus from:

  • Touching objects or surfaces that have the virus and touching your mouth
  • Close contact with the person who has norovirus
  • Eating foods that have been in contact with someone with the virus

Kindly wash your hands more frequently with water and soap; it is the best method to prevent the virus.

Norovirus symptoms

Consult a doctor:

    • If you are worried about your baby under 12 months
    • If your child stops bottle or breastfeeding when they become ill
    • If your child (under 5) has signs of dehydration
    • if you or your child has symptoms of dehydration after consuming oral rehydration sachets
    • If you or your child has a bleeding bottom or bloody diarrhea
    • If you or your child have diarrhea for more than a week or vomiting for more than two daysCall for immediate help if:
      • You vomit blood, or vomit looks like ground coffee
      • You have yellow-green or green vomit
      • You swallowed something poisonous
      • You have a stiff neck and pain while looking at bright lights
      • You have a severe, sudden stomach or headache

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022