Feb. 15, 2026, 8:10 a.m. ET
Norovirus is making a comeback this winter, primarily spread through contaminated food or water.
While it can hit you hard, the good news is that the illness typically doesn’t last long, usually resolving within one to three days.
If you do end up catching it, here’s what you need to know about coping in the next few days, including ways to ease symptoms and limit the chance of spreading it to others.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
According to health organizations, symptoms of norovirus can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Reduced urination or dark urine
- Dry mouth
- Weakness
- Dizziness
Some less common symptoms to watch for are:
- Mild fever or chills
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
Symptoms often show up suddenly and can vary from person to person. For instance, kids may seem fussy and tired, crying without tears at times.
Typically, symptoms appear one to two days after exposure, but they can show up as soon as 12 hours later.
Interestingly, some might carry the virus without showing any signs and can still transmit it to others, which complicates things.
Young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to more severe cases.
How to treat the stomach bug
Currently, there are no antiviral treatments for norovirus. In fact, antibiotics are ineffective and could lead to resistance, so they’re not recommended.
The best approach during the stomach flu is to rest, stay hydrated, and listen to what your body needs, as advised by health experts. You might find that solid foods don’t sound appealing for a bit.
“If you’re not ready to eat, don’t push yourself,” a healthcare professional has suggested. “Once you’re feeling up to it, you can gradually introduce food.”
What should you eat while sick with norovirus?
If solids aren’t an option for you, health experts recommend sipping on diluted sodas or juices to maintain calorie intake.
It’s crucial to stay hydrated, as dehydration can easily occur with these kinds of illnesses, so drinking plenty of fluids is a must.
When you feel ready to start eating solid food again, many doctors suggest the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. However, if you feel up to it towards the end of your illness, you might be able to eat what you prefer, depending on how your body feels.
Giving up alcohol can also be a good idea, as it may hinder recovery. Some avoid dairy too since norovirus can temporarily disrupt lactose digestion, affecting the gut lining.
Even if you start to feel better, the virus may linger in your system for a while.
How to avoid getting norovirus
If you’re sick, maintaining good hygiene becomes essential to prevent spreading it to others.
Hand sanitizers aren’t effective against norovirus, so washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the recommendation.
Unfortunately, it’s possible to still spread the virus for two weeks or more after getting infected.
Norovirus spreads easily—through shared food, drinks handled by an infected person, or touching contaminated surfaces and then eating or touching your face.
Contaminated food and water are the primary culprits, with raw oysters being a common risk factor in these infections.
