Norovirus Symptoms and Treatment Explained

Norovirus can strike suddenly, leaving you feeling nauseous and exhausted. Here's what to know if it hits you this winter.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Norovirus, which is most often spread through contaminated food or water, has been making its rounds again during the winter season. While the symptoms can hit hard and fast, the small silver lining is that the illness is usually short-lived, clearing the system within one to three days. If you're unlucky enough to catch it, here's what to know about getting through the next few days, including how to ease your symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading it to others.

Why it matters

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. Understanding the symptoms and proper treatment is important, as the virus can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

The details

The main symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Less common symptoms are fever, headache, and body aches. Symptoms typically appear 12-48 hours after exposure and can last 1-3 days. There is no antiviral medication to treat norovirus, so the best approach is to rest, stay hydrated, and slowly reintroduce solid foods as the body recovers. Good hygiene, like thorough handwashing, is crucial to prevent spreading the virus to others.

  • Symptoms typically appear 12-48 hours after exposure to the virus.
  • The illness usually lasts 1-3 days.

The players

Minnesota Department of Health

A state health department that provided information on norovirus symptoms.

Cleveland Clinic

A nonprofit academic medical center that also outlined common norovirus symptoms.

Dr. Paul Sax

Clinical director of the infectious disease division at Brigham and Women's Hospital and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, who provided guidance on treating norovirus.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The U.S. federal agency that warned against taking antibiotics to treat norovirus and provided information on high-risk groups.

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What they’re saying

“Don't force yourself to eat if you're not ready to eat. If you're feeling a little better, then it's time to introduce foods.”

— Dr. Paul Sax, Clinical director of the infectious disease division at Brigham and Women's Hospital, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School (USA TODAY)

“There are certain foods that are more likely to have norovirus, and one of the more common villains in infectious disease are raw oysters.”

— Dr. Paul Sax, Clinical director of the infectious disease division at Brigham and Women's Hospital, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School (USA TODAY)

The takeaway

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, but it is usually short-lived. The best treatment is to rest, stay hydrated, and slowly reintroduce solid foods as the body recovers. Practicing good hygiene, like thorough handwashing, is crucial to prevent spreading the virus to others.