Winter vomiting disease

Preventing norovirus

It's not always possible to avoid getting norovirus, but following the advice below can help stop the virus spreading.

Stay off work or schooluntil at least 48 hours after the symptoms havepassed. You should also avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water , particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food. Don't rely on alcohol hand gels, as they do not kill the virus.
Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated . It's best to use a bleach-based household cleaner.
Wash any items of clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated separately on a hot wash to ensure the virus is killed.
Don't share towels and flannels.
Flush away any infectedpoo or vomit in the toilet and cleanthe surrounding area.
Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce and only eat oysters from a reliable source, as oysters can carry norovirus.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for winter vomiting disease

Introduction

Read all about norovirus, including how it's spread, what the symptoms are, when to get medical advice and how to stop it spreading.

Symptoms of norovirus

You'relikely to have norovirus if youexperience: suddenly feeling sick projectilevomiting watery diarrhoea Some people also have a slight fever, headaches , painful stomach cramps and aching li

What to do if you have norovirus

If you experience sudden diarrhoea and vomiting, the best thing to do is to stay at home until you're feeling better. There's no cure for norovirus, so you have to let it run its course. You don't us

When to get medical advice

You don't normally need to see your GP if you think you or your child has norovirus, as there's no specific treatment for it. Antibiotics won't help because it's caused by a virus. Visiting your G

How isnorovirus spread?

Norovirus spreads very easily in public places such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools. You can catch it if small particles of vomit or poo from an infected person get into your mouth, such as t

Preventing norovirus

It's not always possible to avoid getting norovirus, but following the advice below can help stop the virus spreading. Stay off work or schooluntil at least 48 hours after the symptoms havepassed.

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