Symptoms of Norovirus

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Do you think you have the “stomach flu” or a “stomach bug”?

Woman bent over holding stomach

It is probably norovirus, a common virus that is not related to the flu. Norovirus is the most common cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness.

The most common symptoms of norovirus are:
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
Other symptoms include:
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Body aches

Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines. This is called acute gastroenteritis.

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days, but they can still spread the virus for a few days after.

If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.

Symptoms of dehydration include:
  • Decrease in urination
  • Dry mouth and throat
  • Feeling dizzy when standing up