brand logo
Find a Location

Norovirus

Often called the “stomach flu,” norovirus is a common and highly contagious virus.

Norovirus causes an intense viral gastroenteritis or “stomach virus.”

Schedule VisitStart Virtual Visit
A zoomed in photo of the middle of a person's body, they are sitting on a bed and clutching their stomach in pain.

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is one of several viruses that cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines, also known as gastroenteritis. It is well-known due to how contagious it is and the severity of its symptoms.

Norovirus Symptoms

Symptoms typically begin to show 12-48 hours after exposure to norovirus.

Norovirus Treatment

While there is no direct treatment or cure for norovirus, you can treat the symptoms and pain associated with the illness. The most common complication with norovirus is dehydration in association with the vomiting and diarrhea it can cause. Most patients recover from norovirus within three days.

Meet with a Medical Provider Today

Reserve your spot online, walk in to a location near you or access our 24/7 virtual care.

Schedule VisitStart Virtual Visit

How does norovirus spread?

Norovirus spreads through contact with the virus. The most common ways to contract the virus are close contact with an infected person, touching contaminated objects or surfaces and eating food handled by a person infected with norovirus.

A visualization of time as a circular arrow surrounding the text "48 hours."

How long is norovirus contagious for?

You can spread norovirus from the time you contracted it (sometimes 12-48 hours before you showed symptoms) and up to 48 hours after you stopped presenting symptoms.

How can I prevent the spread of norovirus?

Paying attention to illness trends in your area can help you avoid norovirus. If there are frequent infections in your area, we recommend that you:

A - E

Abscesses and Cysts
Allergies
Arthritis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Common Cold
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
COVID - 19
Ear Infections

Feel Better, Faster

This medical information has been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Robert Biernbaum, Chief Medical Officer for WellNow Urgent Care.