What Is Norovirus?

Who Is at Risk

Anyone can become infected and sick with norovirus, and people of all ages are affected during outbreaks. Your susceptibility to norovirus infection is partially influenced by your genetic makeup.

Raw oysters and other filter-feeding shellfish can harbor viruses and bacteria that may cause serious illness or even death. Consuming raw shellfish increases the risk of contracting norovirus.

Certain groups, including children under 5 years old, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are more likely to develop severe infections.

How It Spreads

Norovirus spreads easily and quickly through various means. You can contract norovirus by:

• Having direct contact with an infected person, such as caring for them, sharing food or utensils, or consuming food they have handled.

• Eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus.

• Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands or fingers in your mouth.

Even after recovering, you can continue to spread norovirus for two weeks or longer.

Prevention

Norovirus is highly contagious, but you can take steps to protect yourself and others, such as:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.

• Cook shellfish properly and wash fruits and vegetables.

• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.

• Wash laundry in hot water.

• Stay home for 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms end to prevent spreading the virus.

Treatment and Recovery

Most people with norovirus illness recover within 1 to 3 days. There is no specific medication to treat norovirus infections. Antibiotics are not effective against norovirus, as they target bacteria, not viruses.