Winter vomiting virus / Norovirus
Winter vomiting virus, or norovirus to use its medical name, is a particularly nasty bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. Find out more about norovirus, symptoms and how to treat it.
What is winter vomiting virus?
Also known as Norovirus, winter vomiting is a highly contagious stomach bug that is the most common cause of gastroenteritis.
What are the symptoms of winter vomiting virus?
Sudden vomiting and diarrhoea, and a feeling of nausea. Some people might also have a high temperature, headaches and aching limbs.
How long does norovirus last?
The symptoms can last from 12 - 60 hours, but most people feel better after 48 hours.
What if the virus lasts longer than 48 hours?
If it's still not gone after two days, call NHS Direct or your GP, because there could be something else going on.
How does winter vomiting virus spread?
It's highly contagious, so anyone infected can pass it on with the smallest amount of contact, or through contaminated food, drink or surfaces.
How do I treat the virus?
There is no actual treatment for norovirus, apart from allowing it to run its course. Anyone who gets it should drink plenty of water, though, to avoid dehydration. Read our top tips to avoid and survive the winter vomiting virus.
Should I go to the doctor?
No. Official advice is to stay away from your surgery or A&E. The reason for this is because they can't do anything to help you, apart from confirm you have the norovirus. You also risk passing it on by going to a packed doctor's waiting room.
What if my child gets winter vomiting virus?
The same advice applies. Call your doctor and follow their instructions. Make sure your son or daughter drinks lots and, if the symptoms last longer than 48 hours, get in touch with your GP or NHS Direct again on 0845 4647.
Where to next?
- How to avoid or survive the winter vomiting virus
- Get all the facts on gastroenteritis
- Remedies for gastroenteritis
- How to avoid coughs and colds
- More info on the common cold and flu
- Have you had winter vomiting virus? Are you worried about getting norovirus? Talk about it with other women in Chat
By Rob Mansfield
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Tina Fotherby, 12 months
As the virus can be spread by hand and surface contact, if you are caring for somone with the virus, you might might want to use wipes and sprays that are proven to kill norovirus. New PatientPak kits contain four anti-microbial wipes and sprays that are proven to kill this bug, so they can certainly help with prevention. The formula is gentle to hands too.
Report this commentceri jones, about 1 year
i am due on the 14 jan and just come down with the norovirus and i feel terrable contant vommating and diaria it feels afull i am trying to keep people away but people dont lisen all i can take is warter as i am really ill with it
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jacqueline jenkins, 9 months
I am very rarely ill like I don't have a cold and if and when I do it's really bad, This came on my last Monday with cold like symtoms, by wednesday I felt it hit me for six, I came in from outside after seeing to my Dogs, you would swear someone had thrown a bucket of water over me I was soaking right through Flu like symtoms could not lift my head of the pillow Friday aching from head to toe, My stomache as had terrible cramps and rolling with pain could'nt keep water down or in my system everything drank or eaten like soup was going staight through me it is now Sunday and there is no change to the way I feel or am I think i'm feeling better until the day goes on I would not wish this is anyone.
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