Yes, gastroenteritis (stomach bug), particularly Norovirus, is common and cases often surge in winter months in both Australia (Nov-Apr) and the US (Nov-Apr), spreading easily in close quarters like schools or aged care, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps, requiring good hygiene like soap and water handwashing to prevent. Health authorities consistently issue warnings about these contagious outbreaks, highlighting the need for prevention, noteshealth.nsw.gov.au, CDC.gov, today.com.
Norovirus Cases Driven by Ultra-Contagious Variant Are Surging. And Hand Sanitizer Won't Kill It. Norovirus, the highly contagious stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea, is surging again. Here's what to expect this winter and how to protect yourself.
Signs and symptoms of norovirus infection may start suddenly and include:
Vomiting usually lasts 1 to 2 days. Diarrhoea usually lasts around 1 to 3 days, but can last up to 10 days. If you have severe gastro, you may: be unable to keep down any fluids.
The green colour of poo, if someone has a gut infection, is usually caused by the bacteria salmonella, a parasite called giardia, or a virus called norovirus. Most gut infections do improve in five to ten days with self-care. Read more about food poisoning and gut infections here.
There is no specific medicine or treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Prevention of dehydration is most important and can be done by drinking fluids such as water, broth and sports drinks. Please try to avoid caffeinated drinks and acidic liquids (such as orange juice) as they may worsen your symptoms.
The Worst Foods for Your Gastrointestinal System
Four common signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis (stomach flu) are watery diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain/cramps, and a fever, often accompanied by nausea and generally feeling unwell, with dehydration being a key concern.
Most of the time, diarrhea is simply your gut's way of getting rid of a harmful invader, like a bacteria or virus.
It's important to note that if diarrhea is caused by bacteria, your body needs to get rid of the bacteria first by letting diarrhea run its course. If they're taken too soon, anti-diarrheal medication can make symptoms worse and keep you from clearing the infection.
Norovirus is an extremely contagious stomach bug. It's possible to care for a partner who has norovirus without getting sick yourself. You can get norovirus by touching infected surfaces. Care for your partner by keeping them hydrated and making sure they rest.
Norovirus outbreaks can also occur from food that is contaminated at the source or on the farm. This can include oysters harvested from contaminated water, or fruit and vegetables sprayed with contaminated water in the field.
To kill norovirus, use bleach-based cleaners for surfaces and thoroughly wash hands with soap and hot water, as alcohol-based sanitizers are less effective; steam cleaning can also work on fabrics, and proper food handling (cooking shellfish, washing produce) prevents spread. Disinfect contaminated surfaces by first cleaning with detergent and hot water, then applying a diluted bleach solution (5-25 tablespoons per gallon of water) and letting it sit for 5 minutes before wiping.
Symptoms of common winter bugs may include fever, cough, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These can also be symptoms of COVID-19, which can lead people to wonder whether they have COVID-19 or another common infection.
A third condition, influenza (flu) is sometimes confused with stomach flu, but influenza is an upper respiratory illness, mostly affecting the nose, throat and lungs. Understanding the key differences between all three common ailments can help you seek appropriate treatment and prevent further spread.
Norovirus GII.17 variant
During the 2024-2025 season, GII.17 caused 75% of norovirus outbreaks in the U.S., compared to less than 10% in 2023, according to a study from the CDC. “Whenever there is a new strain, it's really easy for it to start spreading rapidly, and that's what we saw last year,” says Roberts.
Your healthcare provider will perform an exam and ask about your medical history. Your healthcare provider will likely ask for a stool sample to determine the source of your illness and whether it's bacterial or viral.
Eat BRAT diet foods
Some more recent research has begun to look at diarrhea as part of the normal immune system response to pathogens. In this context, diarrhea may be part of the body's effort to rid the digestive tract of potentially harmful bacteria or other substances.
Contact a healthcare provider if you notice any unusual or red flag symptoms, such as: Inability to keep fluids down, signs of dehydration. Symptoms last longer than five days. Fever lasts more than three days or is higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).
Gastritis vs gastroenteritis
Gastritis symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, but not always. Gastroenteritis is commonly called stomach flu. It happens when a virus infects the intestines and stomach. Gastroenteritis usually causes diarrhea and vomiting for one to two days.
Norovirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis. Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after you come into contact with the virus and last 1 to 3 days. rotavirus. Symptoms usually begin about 2 days after you come into contact with the virus and last for 3 to 8 days.
Here, we break down the seven worst drinks for gut health and offer easy swaps that support better digestion and balance.
Avoid milk and dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods for a few days. Get plenty of rest. The illness and dehydration can make you weak and tired.
Some foods that can help manage IBS flare-ups include: