Symptoms

Prevent Dehydration

Drink plenty of liquids to replace fluids that are lost from throwing up and diarrhea.

Sports drinks and other drinks without caffeine or alcohol can help with mild dehydration. But, these drinks may not replace important nutrients and minerals. Oral rehydration fluids that you can get over the counter are most helpful for mild dehydration.

If you think you or someone you are caring for is severely dehydrated, call a doctor.

Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines or both. This is called acute gastroenteritis.

The most common symptoms—

diarrhea
throwing up
nausea
stomach pain

Other symptoms—

fever
headache
body aches

If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill and throw up or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.

Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days.

Symptoms of dehydration—

decrease in urination
dry mouth and throat
feeling dizzy when standing up

Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.

Learn more about norovirus

CDC Feature: Prevent the Spread of Norovirus

Images and logos on this website which are trademarked/copyrighted or used with permission of the trademark/copyright or logo holder are not in the public domain. These images and logos have been licensed for or used with permission in the materials provided on this website. The materials in the form presented on this website may be used without seeking further permission. Any other use of trademarked/copyrighted images or logos requires permission from the trademark/copyright holder...more

This graphic notice means that you are leaving an HHS Web site. For more information, please see the Exit Notification and Disclaimer policy.