What is norovirus?

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that frequently cause intestinal infection. They are highly infectious and may cause outbreaks in settings such as schools, child care centres, aged care facilities, cruise ships, restaurants and hospitals.

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How do you get norovirus?

Norovirus is very infectious and can be spread easily from person to person. Both faeces and vomit are
infectious. Vomiting can also produce aerosolised (suspended in the air) particles that can enter the mouth and be swallowed.

People with norovirus are infectious for at least three days after the symptoms stop but on some occasions they can still be infectious up to two weeks after, therefore it is important to always practice good hand washing and hygiene practices.

Noroviruses are easily spread because they can survive on contaminated surfaces and are resistant to many common disinfectants.

Norovirus can be spread in many different ways:

• Consuming contaminated food or drinks.
• Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting hands or fingers into your mouth.
• Having direct contact with another person who is infected e.g. sharing food or eating from the same utensils as someone who is ill.
• Aerosol spread (when vomiting disperses virus particles into the air).

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What are the signs and symptoms of norovirus?

Illness often begins suddenly about one or two days after exposure to the virus and most people experience several of the following symptoms:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• stomach cramps
• headache
• low grade fever
• chills
• muscle aches

Symptoms usually last for one or two days but during that brief time the person can feel very sick and vomit
many times a day.

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How do I get treated?

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for norovirus.

• Drink plenty of fluids such as plain water or oral rehydration drinks (available from pharmacies).
• Avoid anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhoeal medications unless prescribed or recommended by a doctor.

What do I do if I have norovirus?

• Do not go to work for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• Do not handle or prepare food for the family or household for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• Keep children home from school for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• People in hospitals, nursing homes and other residential facilities should be nursed in their own room, with a private bathroom for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• Immediately remove and wash any clothes or bedding contaminated with vomit or diarrhoea using soap and hot water.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.

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How do I reduce the risks of getting norovirus?

• Wash hands with soap and water after changing nappies and before preparing or handling food or drinks. To wash your hands effectively, lather thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 seconds. Dry your hands with a clean single use towel (e.g. paper towel) and turn the tap off with the towel to avoid possible recontamination.
• If hand washing facilities are not available use an alcohol-based gel.

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Where can I find more information on norovirus?

For further information contact your GP, a doctor of your choice or Health Direct (1800 022 222).