Norovirus

What is norovirus?

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the stomach flu, or gastroenteritis. It’s also commonly known as the winter vomiting bug and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the UK.

While the symptoms of norovirus can be unpleasant, it is considered a mild infection. This is because it is usually short-lived, and most people get better without medical treatment.

People who are most likely to suffer severe symptoms are young children, pregnant women, people with an underlying health condition (e.g. cancer, diabetes, liver and kidney disease) and older people.

You are most likely to catch norovirus by coming into contact with an infected person, but it can also be spread by contaminated food and poor hygiene (for example, not washing hands). Norovirus can’t multiply in food but can survive in it for long periods of time. Outbreaks of norovirus have been caused by food handlers, contaminated oysters and fresh produce such as berries and salad.

You can find information on the symptoms of Norovirus and how it makes you ill on the following sites:

• NHS - Norovirus
• NIDirect - Norovirus
• NHS 111 Wales - Norovirus
• UKHSA - How to stop norovirus spreading

Video: FSA explains norovirus

How norovirus spreads

Norovirus is very contagious. It can contaminate food and water and enters the body by being ingested and inhaled through the mouth or nose.  Norovirus causes infection once it has reached the gut. 

It can also spread through contact with the faeces or vomit of an infected person.  

To prevent you from passing norovirus on to your family and friends, it’s vital that you follow good personal hygiene and cleaning practices as the virus can survive on surfaces for several months.  

How you can reduce the risk of norovirus at home 

Research has shown that norovirus is usually spread by infected people (e.g. food handlers who may be ill). If you can, avoid preparing food for others if you suspect you may have norovirus. If this is not possible, then it is vital that you take extra care follow strict personal hygiene practices when you are handling and preparing food. Cooking infected food properly destroys the virus but be careful to avoid cross contamination when serving.  

It’s also essential that you are careful about  cleaning and avoiding cross-contamination when transporting, preparing and storing food. 

To reduce the risk of Norovirus, it’s important to:   

• wash your hands regularly with soap and water including before, during and after meal preparation and after going to the toilet
• handle food carefully in your kitchen and wash chopping boards and utensils to avoid cross-contamination
• clean surfaces properly to prevent harmful norovirus from spreading
• cook food correctly by following the instructions on time and temperature – proper cooking will kill norovirus present in the food