Norovirus is surging across the country. Here are the symptoms to look for, according to an infectious disease doctor

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As if cold and flu season weren’t enough, another illness is on the rise: norovirus.

Norovirus cases have been increasing across the country, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During the week of December 5 (which is the most recent data available), 91 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks were reported to state health departments across the country. For comparison, there have only been 41 suspected or confirmed outbreaks in the same week from 2021 to 2024. Basically, there’s a ton of norovirus going around.

Norovirus is no joke: It can cause vomiting and diarrhea (often at the same time), making the experience miserable. With this, it is understandable to want to reduce the risks of contracting the virus and to be aware of the first signs.

Here’s what you need to know about norovirus symptoms and what to do if you’re unlucky enough to catch it.

Meet the expert: Expert in infectious diseases Amesh A. Adalja, MD, is a senior fellow at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

What are the first symptoms of norovirus?

Norovirus tends to come on strong and quickly. “Nausea and/or vomiting are usually the first symptoms of norovirus,” says an infectious disease expert. Amesh A. Adalja, MD, senior fellow at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

You might also have stomach pain, fever, headache and body aches, according to the CDC.

How is norovirus spread?

Norovirus is “highly contagious” and spreads in different ways. These may include direct contact with someone carrying the virus, eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus, touching contaminated objects or surfaces, and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Norovirus can survive for up to 12 hours on hard surfaces, according to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service. On contaminated carpet, the virus can persist for up to 12 days.

What is the best way to treat norovirus?

There is no set treatment for norovirus, and medications like antibiotics won’t do anything to help you feel better, according to the CDC.

Instead, supportive care is best, says Adalja. This includes taking small, frequent sips of fluids to try to prevent dehydration and taking acetaminophen to relieve body aches and fever.

How long does it take to recover from norovirus?

The good news with norovirus (if there is any) is that most people tend to feel better within one to three days, according to the CDC.

How long are you contagious with norovirus?

While most people recover from norovirus within a few days, you can be contagious for much longer than that. In fact, you can still spread norovirus up to two weeks after feeling better, according to the CDC.

How can I protect myself from norovirus?

While norovirus is uncomfortable for everyone, Adalja says it’s especially concerning for people who are prone to dehydration, “usually the very young and very old.”

To reduce your chances of contracting norovirus, he recommends doing your best to avoid people who are obviously sick and washing your hands often. That’s really all you can do, says Adalja.

Unfortunately, norovirus infections can and do occur. “Norovirus is a ubiquitous virus that everyone encounters several times in their life,” says Adalja. The best you can do is try to avoid it.

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