Some Reminders About Norovirus

Posted in Our Blog on July 2, 2026

Now is a great time to present some reminders about norovirus!

Norovirus seems to be spreading like wildfire among other illnesses right now. People are gathering more and of course sometimes you don’t even know you are sick until it is too late. Norovirus or as some people call it “the stomach flu” is definitely something we all pray to never get, but it does happen.

Here is some information and tips about norovirus to help protect you and your family in the event that it should happen. Reminders about norovirus.

Norovirus Symptoms

Norovirus infection can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea that start suddenly. Noroviruses are highly contagious. They commonly spread through food or water that is contaminated during preparation or through contaminated surfaces. Noroviruses can also spread through close contact with a person who has norovirus infection.

Diarrhea, stomach pain and vomiting typically begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Norovirus infection symptoms usually last 1 to 3 days. Most people recover completely without treatment. However, for some people — especially young children, older adults and people with other medical conditions — vomiting and diarrhea can be severely dehydrating and require medical attention.

Signs and symptoms of norovirus infection may start suddenly and include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Watery or loose diarrhea
• Feeling ill
• Low-grade fever
• Muscle pain

Signs and symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after your first exposure to a norovirus and last 1 to 3 days. You can continue to shed virus in your stool for several weeks after recovery. This shedding can last weeks to months if you have another medical condition.

Some people with norovirus infection may show no signs or symptoms. However, they’re still contagious and can spread the virus to others.

Seek medical attention if you develop diarrhea that doesn’t go away within several days. Also call your health care provider if you experience severe vomiting, bloody stools, stomach pain or dehydration.

Protect Yourself From Norovirus

Norovirus is very contagious, but you can take steps to protect yourself and others, including:

• Wash your hands well and often.
• Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
• Wash laundry in hot water.
• Stay home when sick for 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop.

Norovirus Statistics

Did you know that norovirus causes 58% of food borne illnesses across the United States every year?

Each year in the United States, norovirus causes on average:

• 900 deaths, mostly among adults aged 65 and older
• 109,000 hospitalizations
• 465,000 emergency department visits, mostly in young children
• 2,270,000 outpatient clinic visits annually, mostly in young children
• 19 to 21 million illnesses

Each year, there are about 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks in the United States.

• Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year but are most common from November to April.
• In years when there is a new strain of the virus, there can be 50% more norovirus illness.
• Most outbreaks occur when infected people spread the virus to others through direct contact (such as caring for them, sharing food, or eating utensils with them).

Worldwide, norovirus causes about 1 out of every 5 cases of acute gastroenteritis that leads to diarrhea and vomiting.

Worldwide, norovirus annually causes on average:

• 685 million total cases of acute gastroenteritis
• 200 million cases in children under 5 years old
• 50,000 child deaths, mostly in developing countries

Keep in Mind These Reminders About Norovirus

We hope that so far you have escaped the dreaded norovirus, but if you didn’t that you are well now and back to your normal activities. For the future, keep in mind these reminders about norovirus. Please keep an eye on Make Food Safe for more information about viruses and how they can affect every day life.