Norovirus can last anywhere from 1 to 3 days. However, sometimes it can take longer to start feeling better. Learn more about what to expect with this stomach virus.

Norovirus is a contagious virus that’s transmitted through:

  • food
  • water
  • surfaces
  • close contact with people with the infection

It causes unpleasant symptoms, such as:

  • severe diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • nausea
  • abdominal pain

Usually, norovirus passes within a couple of days, but it can linger for a while in some cases.

Read on to find out how long this virus typically lasts and when you should seek help for your symptoms.

Symptoms usually start 12 to 48 hours after you’re exposed to the norovirus. For most healthy people, norovirus symptoms last 1 to 3 days.

But for some, the virus can remain in the intestines for weeks or months and cause lingering bowel inflammation.

Usually, norovirus isn’t life threatening, and you won’t need any treatment to recover.

However, some older adults, babies, or people with other health conditions can develop complications, such as severe dehydration. This requires medical attention as it may be life threatening.

Norovirus is highly contagious.

People with the infection shed billions of virus particles in their stool and vomit, yet it only takes as few as 10 virus particles to cause an infection.

If you have norovirus, you’re contagious from the moment your symptoms start until at least 3 days after recovery. Some people might be contagious for as long as 2 weeks after they recover.

To help lower your chances of transmitting the virus to others:

  • Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom.
  • Avoid preparing food for others.
  • Stay home from work while you’re sick.
  • Don’t travel until you recover.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces.
  • Wash laundry thoroughly in hot water.
  • Wear rubber or disposable gloves when handling soiled items.
  • Dispose of vomit and fecal matter in plastic bags.
  • Avoid using public swimming pools.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the norovirus can remain on objects and surfaces and be transmitted to other people for days or weeks.

What’s more, some disinfectants aren’t successful at killing the virus.

The CDC recommends that you routinely sanitize and clean counters, utensils, and surfaces before preparing food.

Use a chlorine bleach solution with a concentration of 1,000 to 5,000 ppm (5 to 25 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water).

You can also use other disinfectants that are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as effective against norovirus.

You should see a healthcare professional if your symptoms are severe or don’t go away within a few days.

Additionally, symptoms of dehydration require a visit to a healthcare professional.

Signs may include:

  • fatigue or lethargy
  • dizziness
  • dry mouth or throat
  • decreased amounts of urine

Children who are dehydrated might cry with few or no tears, or be unusually sleepy or cranky.

Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections. They’re not an effective treatment for norovirus.

A doctor will likely recommend rest and lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. If you’re unable to drink enough liquids, you might need to get them intravenously.

Your doctor may also suggest an over-the-counter (OTC) antidiarrheal medication.

If you get the norovirus, you can expect to feel unwell for about 1 to 3 days. Some people may take longer to recover.

There is no treatment for this virus. However, if your symptoms are severe or persistent, it’s important to see a healthcare professional immediately. They can help create a plan for managing your symptoms.