Knocking Out Norovirus 2024 in the New Year: What to Look Out for This Winter
Posted By Author on February 7, 2025
We can’t imagine any other way to ring in the start of the New Year than the Flip Flop Drop on Folly Beach, a list of resolutions, and… a stomach bug?
During the first week of December, a common stomach bug was on the rise, with 91 outbreaks reported at the start of the holiday season.
Norovirus, also called the Norwalk virus or so aptly named, the winter vomiting bug, is the leading cause of foodborne illness, vomiting, and diarrhea in the U.S. With cases surging throughout the U.S., many people are asking if norovirus is contagious, how long does norovirus live on surfaces, and what should they do if they have it?
Keep reading to find out what our board-certified gastroenterology specialists have to say!
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. While it is often referred to as a “stomach flu” or “stomach bug,” it is unrelated to the influenza virus.
Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. and the most common cause of gastroenteritis. According to the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) every year in the U.S., norovirus causes:
Between 19 and 21 million cases of vomiting and diarrhea
An estimated 109,000 hospitalizations
58% of acquired foodborne illnesses
900 deaths, primarily among adults 65 and older
Nearly one million pediatric medical care visits
Over two million outpatient clinic visits
What Are the Symptoms of Norovirus?
Norovirus symptoms often begin one to two days after initial contact and ingestion of the virus. It is common for those with norovirus to go from feeling well to suddenly experiencing numerous GI issues.
Some people with norovirus may also experience fatigue, low-grade fever, headaches, muscle aches, and chills.
Most people with norovirus see improvements within one to two days after initial symptoms and have no long-term health effects. However, remember that dehydration is a real concern when losing bodily fluids.
If you begin to experience decreased urination, dry mouth, unusual sleepiness, or dizziness upon standing, seek the help of a medical professional, as you may be at risk for dehydration.
Is Norovirus Contagious?
While it may be easy to believe that once your symptoms have subsided, you are ready to get back into your daily routine, you may still be at risk for passing the virus to others.
How Long Are You Contagious with Norovirus?
When you have norovirus, your body releases billions of tiny particles that can spread the virus onto the items you touch and taste.
When you are contagious with norovirus, from the moment you start to experience symptoms until at least three days after your recovery, you are at risk of spreading the virus to others.
People often become infected with norovirus by:
Direct contact with someone with the virus, either in caring for them or sharing food or utensils
Eating foods or drinking liquids that a contaminated person has eaten or drank
Touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then proceeding to touch your mouth
While many people are only at risk of spreading the virus up to three days after their recovery, some people are still contagious for the following two weeks or possibly longer.
Knock Out Norovirus with Help from Charleston GI!
Norovirus symptoms will often go away on their own as your body works to fight the virus. However, given that symptoms are similar to those of many GI tract diseases and conditions, it’s not a bad idea to pay a visit to your local GI clinic in Charleston.
Our team of gastroenterologists near you is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to help you get to the bottom of your symptoms, whether it be norovirus or another GI condition.
We have four convenient Charleston area locations in West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and Carnes Crossroads. Our Charleston GI doctors are ready five days a week to offer relief.
