Yahoo Lifestyle These Are the 2 Most Common Norovirus Symptoms Doctors Are Seeing Right Now
The surge of norovirus—more commonly known as a “stomach bug” or the “stomach flu,” is at it again. The virus is most prevalent during the winter season, so more cases have popped up since December or so. In fact, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of recorded outbreaks this season are higher than they’ve been since 2012.
Yikes.
As with any sickness, getting ahead of it is probably one of the most helpful things you can do—and doctors are here to help. Ahead, they share the two most common symptoms, other signs, how to tell if you have norovirus versus a similar illness and what to do next.
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The 2 Most Common Symptoms of Norovirus in January 2025
Doctors are clear: The main two symptoms they're seeing the most right now in patients with norovirus are—gross alert—diarrhea and vomiting.
“These can hit quickly—usually within a day or two after being exposed—and can leave you feeling wiped out and dehydrated,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, chief medical advisor for Garage Gym Reviews.
The good news (if there is any!) is that they typically go away as quickly as they come. “It usually only lasts a day or two, but for some people, it can last longer,” says Dr. Elizabeth Hammershaimb, MD, an infectious disease pediatrician at the University of Maryland Children's Hospital and an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Other Signs of Norovirus
According to Dr. Dasgupta, in addition to vomiting and diarrhea, you may also notice nausea, stomach cramps, a mild fever, chills, and feeling extra tired.
Diarrhea and vomiting can also cause dehydration, which can cause dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, headache, cravings for sweet and salty foods and other side effects.
Related: The #1 Dehydration Mistake Almost Everyone Makes, According to Dietitians
Speaking of additional symptoms: “It is not unusual for people to have body aches, fatigue and headaches after the vomiting and diarrhea have stopped,” says Dr. Hammershaimb. “If those symptoms start before the vomiting and diarrhea, it could be the flu or COVID-19, and you may want to take a test to help guide your next steps.”
How To Tell The Symptoms Are From Norovirus Vs Something Else
As you can probably tell from those symptoms, differentiating norovirus from similar conditions—such as the regular flu, gastroenteritis or food poisoning—is tough. For the most part, they all look pretty similar.
Plus, some of those illnesses can overlap. “One of the most common causes of gastroenteritis is norovirus,” Dr. Dasgupta says. “Any viral gastroenteritis can also cause fever, headache, muscle aches, belly pain, cramping and loss of appetite.”
Other than noting when your symptoms happen, what’s the final say?
Related: Food Poisoning Vs. the Stomach Flu—What’s the Difference? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
“Right now, if you have sudden onset of vomiting and/or diarrhea, it is more likely to be norovirus,” Dr. Hammershaimb says.
If people around you have had similar symptoms, she continues, the likelihood is even greater. Dr. Dasgupta agrees that norovirus is usually diagnosed presumptively in patients who experience sudden diarrhea and vomiting.
What To Do if You Notice Those Signs
Drink up! “The most important thing is to stay hydrated,” Dr. Hammershaimb says.
If water won’t stay down, she recommends asking a doctor for anti-nausea medication or even getting IV fluids at the hospital.
Otherwise, do your best to stay hydrated. Dr. Dasgupta encourages sipping water, clear broths or electrolyte drinks. Other tips he shares include resting, sticking to light foods once you feel better and washing your hands often.
A note on the importance of actually washing your hands, even if it feels like a chore: “Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus, so you should wash your hands with soap and warm water before eating and avoid putting your hands or other objects in your mouth,” Dr. Hammershaimb says.
Cleanliness and hygiene are important not only for your hands or when you’re sick, but also for your household and when others are sick, too. Dr. Hammershaimb suggests cleaning surfaces that get vomit or stool on them with a bleach-containing solution, washing soiled clothes and bedding in hot water, and machine-drying them on the hottest setting. Additionally, she encourages sick individuals to avoid preparing food or medication for others until 48 hours after their symptoms stop.
But what if your symptoms take a turn for the worse or you don’t get better in a couple of days or so?
“See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few days or you’re feeling extremely dehydrated,” Dr. Dasgupta says.
Up Next:
Related: The #1 Sign You Aren’t Drinking Enough Water—and How To Tell if You're *Overhydrated*
Sources
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, chief medical advisor and a quadruple board-certified physician
Dr. Elizabeth Hammershaimb, MD, an infectious disease pediatrician
NoroSTAT Data, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
