What’s causing my vomiting and diarrhea?

This time of year, it’s probably norovirus, which is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and food poisoning. Your parents or grandparents may have called it the “stomach flu.” Some people call it a “stomach bug.” This highly contagious virus is most common in the winter, causing diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. And no, it’s not “the flu” or “influenza.” That’s a contagious respiratory illness that may cause some vomiting and diarrhea but is actually a completely different virus. 

How did I get norovirus?

Did we mention it’s highly contagious? We’re not kidding. It happens when tiny particles of poop or vomit accidentally get in your mouth from a person infected with norovirus. You can get norovirus in several ways:

• Eating food or drinking liquids contaminated by an infected person (more on that in a bit!).
• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects, then touching your mouth or eating without washing your hands first.
• Having direct contact with someone who has norovirus, like taking care of them, sharing food or utensils with them, or eating food they’ve handled.
• Eating raw oysters and other shellfish.

You usually develop symptoms within 12 to 48 hours after exposure. 

Ugh. How long until this is over?

It typically lasts 1 to 3 days and most people recover completely without any treatment. Unfortunately, there’s no medication or antibiotic that will treat it. Drink plenty of fluids and watch for signs of dehydration. Anyone with signs of severe dehydration (light-headedness, dizziness, fainting) should get medical care. 

Some people are at higher risk of getting severely dehydrated or developing serious medical problems. Make sure to contact a health care provider if you or someone you’re caring for is sick and:

• is pregnant
• is 65 years and older
• Has a weakened immune system
• Is a kid under the age of 5
• Has severe symptoms, like bloody diarrhea, severe nausea and vomiting, or a high fever

How do I keep this from spreading to my friends and family?

Norovirus is in your poop and vomit even before you’re feeling sick, and it can stay in your poop for 2 weeks or more after you’re feeling better. You’re most contagious while you’re having symptoms and in the few days after you feel better. But ultimately, it’s possible to spread norovirus for 2 weeks or more after you feel better. Here are some ways to help the rest of your crew avoid the misery you’re experiencing:

• Stay home when you’re sick and for an additional 48 hours after your symptoms stop.
• This is a biggie: DO NOT prepare food or drinks for others for 48 hours after your symptoms stop!
• Wash your hands. Thoroughly, and a LOT.
  • After using the toilet or changing diapers.
  • Before eating, preparing, or handling food.
  • Before giving yourself or someone else medicine.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces. CDC has instructions to make sure you kill the virus.
• Wash laundry in hot water. 

Is norovirus going around right now?

We don’t have a crystal ball to predict what this winter will be like, but the CDC states that “the total number of outbreaks reported during the 2024-2025 season year is above the range reported during the same period during the 2012-2020 and 2021-2024 seasonal years.” 

Read up on how to prevent getting sick because there are many different types of noroviruses and being infected now may not protect you in the future. 

Practicing good hygiene can help you stay healthy this winter!

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help prevent a lot of illnesses, including norovirus. Unfortunately, hand sanitizer alone doesn’t work well against the virus. Remember, if you get sick, stay home and don’t prepare food or drinks for others for 48 hours after your symptoms stop. Have a healthy winter!