Winter Vomiting Disease

What Families in North Carolina Need to Know: Navigating the Norovirus Surge

Norovirus, more commonly called the "stomach flu" (though unrelated to influenza), is on the rise in the Charlotte area and throughout NC. While norovirus is common year-round, we are currently seeing a noticeable spike in cases. Read on to understand what norovirus is, how it spreads, and, most importantly, how to prevent it.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis - inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

The most common symptoms include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Nausea
Stomach pain/cramping

Other symptoms can include mild fever (99.5–100.9°F), headache, and body aches. Symptoms typically start suddenly – within 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last for 1 to 3 days.

Norovirus vs. Bacterial Infections

While norovirus is caused by a virus, it's helpful to understand how it differs from bacterial infections, especially regarding treatment and prevention.

Viral Infections

- Causative Agent: Virus
- Treatment: Generally supportive care (rest, fluids). Antibiotics are ineffective. Antiviral drugs exist for specific viruses, but not typically norovirus.
- Illness Duration: Often 1-3 days for norovirus.
- Examples: Common Cold, Flu, COVID-19, Norovirus

Bacterial Infections

- Causative Agent: Bacteria
- Treatment: Treated with antibiotics (as prescribed by a doctor).
- Illness Duration: Varies – can be longer than viral illnesses.
- Examples: Strep Throat, UTI, sinus infection

How it Spreads

The current surge is a reminder of how easily this virus can circulate, especially in close quarters. Norovirus spreads through what is known as the fecal-oral route. This means the virus particles are in the stool and vomit of an infected person and can spread through:

Direct contact with an infected person.
Contaminated food or water, such as eating raw shellfish harvested from contaminated water or consuming food prepared by an infected person.
Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth.

Norovirus is stealthy – even once you are feeling better, you can still be contagious. That is why it is recommended that you stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve.

Preventing the Illness

Handwashing is Key

This is the most effective way to stop the spread of norovirus.

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.

Don’t bother with hand sanitizers – they are not a substitute for soap and water in this case. Hand sanitizers are less effective against norovirus than soap and water.

Disinfect Contaminated Surfaces

Norovirus can survive on surfaces for several days. Focus on cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as door knobs and countertops.

Use a chlorine bleach solution (5 to 25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water) to sanitize areas that may have been contaminated.
Some cleaners can kill norovirus – be sure it says that on the bottle and follow the instructions carefully. There may be a certain amount of time that the surface you are cleaning needs to remain wet in order for the disinfectant to work.
Wear gloves while cleaning and discard them immediately afterward

Handle Food Safely

Food can easily become contaminated with norovirus.

Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
Cook seafood, especially oysters and other shellfish, to the proper internal temperature.
If you are sick, do not prepare food for others until at least two to three days after your symptoms have ended.

Effective Cleaners Against Norovirus

Always follow the label directions on EPA-registered disinfectants, including required contact time (how long the surface must stay visibly wet)

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a photo of a gloved hand holding a cleaning spray bottle filled with disinfectant. the glove is green. the spray bottle is green and white.

If You Get Sick

Most people recover from norovirus without medical treatment. The main concern is dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of liquids, such as electrolyte drinks, water, and clear broths. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol. Sometimes, water can taste unpleasant or “sickly sweet” during a stomach illness like norovirus – it can help to add flavoring or mix with juice. (Popsicles count as fluids too!)
Rest: Give your body time to recover.

Avoid Contact: Stay home from work, school, and public gatherings while you are sick and for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop

When to Seek Medical Attention

While norovirus is typically self-limiting, certain signs are Red Flags indicating the need for immediate medical consultation:

Inability to keep down fluids for more than 24 hours.
Signs of severe dehydration (e.g., sunken eyes, excessive thirst, little to no urination, extreme lethargy, or dizziness).
Bloody diarrhea.
Fever above 102°F (38.9°C).

If you or a family member exhibits any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately. If you experience severe dehydration (such as little or no urination, extreme dizziness, or inability to keep liquids down), you should seek medical care immediately.

We are here to help support you through this illness at Ormand & Cook Wellness! Our virtual telehealth services can connect you quickly with a provider who can assess your symptoms and offer guidance, ensuring you get the right supportive care without leaving your home. For those with severe dehydration, we also offer IV hydration therapy in your home to quickly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes and accelerate your recovery.

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