What Are the Symptoms of Norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to a sudden onset of symptoms. The most common symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, which typically begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. These symptoms can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Other symptoms may include stomach cramps, low-grade fever, muscle aches, and headache.
The illness usually lasts one to three days, but in severe cases, symptoms can persist longer. Due to the high contagion rate, norovirus outbreaks often occur in close-quarters environments such as schools, nursing homes, and cruise ships. Preventing dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids is essential during a norovirus infection. Although symptoms can be severe, most people recover fully without long-term health effects, and treatment primarily focuses on symptom management and hydration.
