Norovirus (vomiting bug)
Norovirus, also called the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually gets better in about 2 days.
Symptoms of norovirus
The main symptoms of norovirus usually start suddenly and may include:
- feeling sick
- being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
You may also have:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- tummy pain
- body aches and pains
Although it’s sometimes called the winter vomiting bug, you can get norovirus at any time of year.
How to treat norovirus yourself
If you or your child have norovirus, you can usually treat it at home.
You’ll usually start to feel better in 2 to 3 days.
Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Do
- stay at home and get plenty of rest
- drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick
- carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they’re being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual
- give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds
- eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy
- take paracetamol if you’re in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child
Don’t
- do not have fruit juice or fizzy drinks – they can make diarrhoea worse
- do not make baby formula weaker – use it at its usual strength
- do not give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea
- do not give aspirin to children under 16