Norovirus, often called the winter vomiting bug, is a highly contagious virus that can make you feel pretty awful. It causes stomach pain, vomiting, and non-bloody diarrhea, usually hitting 12 to 48 hours after exposure and lasting for one to three days. You might also get a fever or headache. People sometimes call it the “stomach flu,” but it’s not related to the actual flu. Most folks get better without issues, but it can cause dehydration, especially in kids, elderly people, and those with other health problems. Fun fact: Norovirus can spread like wildfire in crowded places like schools and cruise ships.
Norovirus outbreaks are at record highs in the U.S. The CDC reported 91 outbreaks in the first week of December 2024, marking a 32% increase from the previous week and surpassing the previous max of 65 for early December. New Jersey alone saw 70 outbreaks in December, compared to 195 for the entire year. Known as the “stomach flu” or “cruise ship virus,” norovirus causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, with symptoms appearing 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Florida has been hit hard. In the U.K., a new strain called ‘Kawasaki’ led to a 41% rise in cases among older adults. Thankfully, CDC data shows a drop in positivity rates in the Northeast, from 20% to 12%, suggesting the surge may be slowing down. Stay cautious and prioritize good hygiene to reduce the risk of catching this highly contagious virus.
Symptoms of Norovirus
Norovirus symptoms usually kick in 12–48 hours after exposure and can last 1–3 days. They include nausea, sudden vomiting, watery diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Some people might also get a mild fever, headache, chills, body aches, or feel super tired. Since it causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines, dehydration is a big concern, especially for kids, older adults, and people with weak immune systems. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dizziness, and peeing less than usual. While norovirus isn’t the same as the flu, it’s just as unpleasant. The best thing to do is stay hydrated and rest—most people recover on their own, but if symptoms get really bad or don’t go away, it’s smart to see a doctor.
How Does Norovirus Spread?
Dr. James Penn, a gastroenterologist at Hackensack Meridian Health’s JFK University Medical Center said, “It’s typically spread through the stool, which then contacts the hand, which makes contact with the face or the mouth,”
Norovirus spreads really easily and is super contagious. You can get it by having direct contact with someone who’s sick, like shaking hands or taking care of them. Another common way is eating or drinking food and water that’s been contaminated, which often happens at restaurants or big events. The virus can also spread if you touch surfaces like doorknobs or counters that have the virus on them, and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. Even tiny particles in the air from someone vomiting can carry the virus and infect others nearby. Crowded places like schools, nursing homes, cruise ships, and restaurants are common hotspots for outbreaks. Since norovirus is tough and can survive on surfaces for days, it spreads quickly if people don’t wash their hands or clean properly.
Prevention from Norovirus
To prevent norovirus, it’s super important to stay clean and cautious. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or before eating and cooking—hand sanitizer won’t cut it. Always wash fruits and veggies before eating and cook food, especially seafood, thoroughly. Avoid food or water that might be contaminated, especially if there’s an outbreak nearby. If you’re sick, stay home and don’t prepare food for anyone until at least 48 hours after you’re better. Disinfect surfaces with a bleach-based cleaner, especially areas where someone sick has been, and wash any dirty clothes or linens with hot water and detergent. Norovirus can survive on surfaces for days, so proper cleaning is key. If you catch it, drink lots of water or sports drinks to stay hydrated since vomiting and diarrhea can really drain you. By staying extra clean and careful, you can help stop the virus from spreading to you or others.
To prevent norovirus, good handwashing with soap and water is a must, especially for people handling food or around kids, older adults, or those with weak immune systems. The CDC says hand sanitizer doesn’t work well against norovirus, so skip it and wash your hands properly. “To prevent or control outbreaks, good handwashing is important for everyone, especially for people who handle food or are around children, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems” a CDC spokesperson said.
How Common is Norovirus?
Norovirus is super common and causes about 1 in 5 cases of stomach bugs (diarrhea and vomiting) worldwide, with around 685 million cases each year. In the U.S., it’s the main cause of vomiting and diarrhea, with about 2,500 outbreaks annually. It also leads to 58% of foodborne illnesses in the country. You’ll often find outbreaks on cruise ships, in schools, nursing homes, or other crowded places. Norovirus costs about $60 billion globally each year in
healthcare and lost work. Young kids, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems are most at risk for severe illness. Outbreaks happen year-round, but they’re more common from November to April.
So basically, norovirus is a super common virus that causes a lot of stomach bugs, with around 685 million cases each year globally. In the U.S., it’s the main cause of vomiting and diarrhea, with about 2,500 outbreaks every year. It also leads to 58% of foodborne illnesses. You’ll often find outbreaks on cruise ships, in schools, nursing homes, and other crowded places. Norovirus costs about $60 billion worldwide each year in healthcare and lost work. Young kids, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems are most at risk for severe illness. Outbreaks happen year-round, but they’re more common from November to April.
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Manahil Shoaib
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