Seek immediate medical attention if: You have severe dehydration, bloody stools, high fever (>103°F), symptoms lasting more than 3 days, or are in a high-risk group (elderly, pregnant, immunocompromised).
💦 Signs of Dehydration
Adults:
- Dark yellow, strong-smelling urine
- Peeing less than 4 times a day
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Dry mouth, lips, and eyes
- Extreme thirst
Children:
- Fewer wet diapers than normal
- Sunken soft spot on head (babies)
- No tears when crying
- Drowsy or irritable
- Cool hands and feet
💧 Stay Hydrated
Small Sips
Take small sips of water every 10-15 minutes. Don't gulp large amounts at once.
Electrolytes
Try Pedialyte, coconut water, or electrolyte drinks to replace lost minerals.
DIY Rehydration Solution:
Mix: 1L water + 6 tsp sugar + ½ tsp salt
Ice Chips
Suck on ice chips if you can't keep liquids down. They're easier to tolerate.
🌿 Natural Remedies
Ginger
Ginger can help reduce nausea naturally.
- Ginger tea (cooled to room temp)
- Ginger ale (flat, no carbonation)
- Ginger candies
Peppermint
Peppermint can soothe your stomach.
- Peppermint tea
- Peppermint aromatherapy
- Smell fresh peppermint leaves
Acupressure
Press the P6 point for nausea relief.
Press firmly on inner wrist, 3 finger-widths below your palm, between the two tendons for 2-3 minutes.
🛁 Comfort & Warmth
Hot Showers
Warm showers can help relieve body aches, chills, and provide comfort. The steam may also help with nausea.
- Keep water comfortably warm, not too hot
- Sit on a shower chair if feeling weak
- Stay hydrated before and after
Heat Therapy
Apply warmth to soothe stomach cramps and discomfort.
- Heating pad on low to medium
- Warm compress on abdomen
- Vapor rub or warming balm on chest/back
💊 Medications That May Help
Anti-Nausea
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
Can help with nausea and diarrhea. Follow dosage instructions carefully.
Fever Relief
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Reduces fever and body aches. Avoid ibuprofen if stomach is very upset.
Prescription Options
Ondansetron (Zofran)
Strong anti-nausea medication available by prescription from your doctor.
Note: Avoid anti-diarrheal medications (like Imodium) without consulting a doctor, as they can prolong the illness by preventing your body from clearing the virus.
🍽️ Gentle Foods
Foods to Try (BRAT Diet)
- 🍌 Bananas - easy to digest, potassium
- 🍚 Rice - plain white rice
- 🍎 Applesauce - gentle on stomach
- 🍞 Toast - plain, no butter
- 🍪 Saltine crackers
- 🍗 Plain chicken (boiled)
Foods to Avoid
- 🥛 Dairy products
- ☕ Caffeine
- 🍷 Alcohol
- 🌶️ Spicy or fatty foods
- 🥗 Raw vegetables
- 🍊 Acidic fruits/juices
😴 Rest & Recovery
Rest Up
Your body needs energy to fight the virus. Get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activity.
Breathe Deeply
Slow, deep breathing can help reduce nausea. Try breathing in through your nose, out through your mouth.
Fresh Air & Scents
Open windows for fresh air. Try calming scents like lavender or lemon to help with nausea.
Position Matters
Lie on your left side or prop yourself up slightly. Avoid lying flat immediately after eating or drinking.
🧼 Prevention Tips
🚨 Important: Hand Sanitizer Doesn't Work!
Norovirus is NOT killed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. You MUST use soap and water.
Proper Handwashing (20+ seconds):
- Wet hands with clean running water
- Apply soap and lather thoroughly
- Scrub all surfaces including between fingers, under nails, backs of hands
- Continue scrubbing for at least 20 seconds (sing "Happy Birthday" twice)
- Rinse thoroughly under running water
- Dry with clean towel or air dry
🏠 Home Hygiene
- • Clean surfaces with bleach-based cleaners (1:50 dilution)
- • Wash contaminated laundry at 60°C (140°F) separately
- • Disinfect toilet seats, handles, doorknobs, taps
- • Don't share towels, utensils, or drinking glasses
- • Dispose of vomit/feces carefully with gloves
🍴 Food Safety
- • Cook food thoroughly
- • Wash fruits and vegetables
- • Avoid preparing food for others when ill
- • Be cautious with shellfish and raw foods
📅 What to Expect
💜 You'll Get Through This
This is temporary. Most people recover fully within 1-3 days.