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Norovirus is a common stomach bug that spreads easily, especially among kids in crowded social settings and classrooms.
People call norovirus the “stomach flu,” but it’s not related to influenza at all. Most children will brave the storm and recover quickly—though it’s not fun—but some may need emergency care. Get answers from the ones parents trust for answers to common questions about norovirus, like when it’s time to visit the doctor or the emergency room.
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Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that comes on suddenly and causes vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It spreads through:
Close contact with someone who’s sick
Eating or drinking contaminated food or water
Touching contaminated surfaces, like toilet seats, and then touching your mouth. (Wash your hands!)
Norovirus loves schools, daycare centers, and other places where kids are in close contact with each other. Unlike many other illnesses which are seasonal, Norovirus outbreaks can happen at any time.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Symptoms of norovirus usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can include:
Nausea and vomiting, sometimes violent or projectile
The worst of it usually lasts 1 to 3 days, with kids starting to feel better after day 3. But, norovirus can cause dehydration, which can be dangerous if left untreated.
How does norovirus spread so easily?
Norovirus is extremely contagious because it only takes a small amount of the virus to make someone sick. It can live on surfaces for days, and people with norovirus can still spread it even after they feel better. This is why proper handwashing and cleaning are so important to prevent its spread.
Washing hands often and properly: Encourage kids to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom or before eating. Hand sanitizer is less effective against norovirus, but if you don’t have access to a sink in the moment, better than nothing.
Cleaning surfaces: Use a bleach-based cleaner to disinfect surfaces, especially in bathrooms or kitchens.
Washing food: Rinse fruits and vegetables well before eating them. Cook shellfish thoroughly.
Avoiding sick people: Keep your child away from anyone who has symptoms of norovirus.
Staying home when you are your child are sick.
When should I worry about dehydration?
Dehydration is the biggest concern with norovirus, especially for young children. When kids lose fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, they may not drink enough to replace them. Signs of dehydration include:
Dry mouth and cracked lips
No tears when crying
Dark yellow urine or going long periods without urinating
Sunken eyes
Lethargy or extreme tiredness
Babies may show signs like a sunken soft spot on their head or fewer wet diapers.
How can I keep my child hydrated with norovirus?
The best way to prevent dehydration is to encourage small, frequent sips of fluids. Here are some tips:
Offer an oral rehydration solution (ORS): These drinks, like Pedialyte, contain electrolytes that help replace lost fluids. Avoid sports drinks, as they may have too much sugar.
Stick to clear liquids: Water, broth, or diluted fruit juice can help.
Start slowly after vomiting: Wait 30 minutes to an hour after your child vomits before offering fluids. Start with a teaspoon at a time and gradually increase
With norovirus, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and keeping your child hydrated.
Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP,
Physician-in-Chief, Connecticut Children's
When should I take my child to the doctor for norovirus?
Most kids with norovirus can be cared for at home, but call your pediatrician if:
Vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 2 to 3 days.
There are signs of moderate dehydration, like dry lips or dark urine.
Your child has a high fever (over 102°F).
Blood appears in the vomit or diarrhea.
Your child complains of severe stomach pain.
Any of the above is happening, and your child is a newborn.
When is norovirus an emergency?
In rare cases, norovirus can lead to severe dehydration, which is a medical emergency. Go to the emergency room if your child has:
Signs of severe dehydration, previously mentioned
Vomiting that doesn’t stop for more than 12 hours.
Difficulty staying awake or appearing very lethargic.
Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right or your child’s condition worsens quickly, seek medical care immediately or call 911.
How is norovirus treated?
There is no specific medicine to treat norovirus. Antibiotics don’t work because norovirus is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and keeping your child hydrated. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend IV fluids to restore hydration. You can always ask about anything over the counter, but it might be best to let the bug pass through and finish on its own.
How long is norovirus contagious?
Kids with norovirus are most contagious when they have symptoms and for a few days after they feel better. To reduce the risk of spreading the virus:
Keep your child home from school or daycare for at least 48 hours after their symptoms stop.
Continue practicing good hygiene and disinfecting surfaces during this time.
By staying alert and proactive, you can help your child recover quickly and keep your family healthy.
