Norovirus (vomiting bug)

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.

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

Speak to a pharmacist if you or your child (aged 5 years or over) have norovirus and: you have signs of dehydration , such as dark, smelly pee or peeing less than usual you're an older person, have a weakened immune system, or have other health conditions that increase your risk of dehydration you need to stop diarrhoea for a few hours They may recommend oral rehydration powder that you mix with water to make a drink. Find a pharmacy

Norovirus is caused by a virus that spreads through poo. It can spread to others very easily. You can catch norovirus from: close contact with someone with norovirus touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth eating food that's been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus drinking unclean water or infected food

There are things you can do when you have norovirus to help prevent infecting others. Do wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet or changing nappies (alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus) wash your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving or eating food wash clothes and bedding that has poo or vomit on it on a 60°C wash and separately from other laundry clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles avoid contact with others as much as possible Don’t do not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for 2 days do not visit others in hospitals or places like care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for 2 days