We all saw our classmates staying home because they were sick this winter, but what really was going around?? There were a whole bunch of viruses spreading around like flu, COVID, norovirus, and RSV as the year was coming to an end. While most of us are very familiar with the flu and COVID, many don’t know what the Norovirus is. Norovirus is basically a stomach bug, and it’s really contagious. However, the Norovirus is not related to the flu. There are many types of Norovirus and you can get it at any time.
If you have Norovirus, you can feel extremely ill and get dehydrated, but it should last for about 1 to 3 days.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can get infected with Norovirus, and people of all ages can get infected during outbreaks. Eating raw oysters or fish can result in you having more of a chance to be in contact with Norovirus.
Signs and Symptoms of Norovirus
There are many signs and symptoms of Noro, such as:
- Dehydration
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
- Crying with few or no tears
- Unusual sleepiness or fussiness
How The Virus can Spread
The virus can spread through many ways, some examples being:
- Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, like caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.
- Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
- Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.
Remember to still take precaution even after you feel better because you can still spread the virus for two weeks or more after you feel better.
Ways to Prevent Norovirus
Norovirus is very contagious, and some ways to prevent spreading it can be done by…
- Wash your hands well and often.
- Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
- Wash laundry in hot water.
- Stay home when sick for 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop.
Lastly, be careful, be safe, and make it through the season!
Works Cited:
Snider, Mike. “What Virus Is Going Around? The Flu, COVID, Norovirus – and Don’t Forget RSV.” USA TODAY, 2025, www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/12/31/virus-going-around-flu-covid-norovirus-rsv/77358321007/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Norovirus.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Apr. 2024, www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html.
