How Long Are You Contagious With Norovirus?

Norovirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis or the “stomach flu.” There are over 20 million cases of norovirus infections in the U.S. every year. That enormous number is due to the fact that norovirus spreads quickly from person to person.

A norovirus infection doesn’t last long. Adults usually develop vomiting and diarrhea within 24 to 48 hours after being exposed to the virus. And symptoms go away on their own within 12 to 72 hours. Symptoms may last longer in children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. These groups can also develop severe dehydration from diarrhea. 

Whether you’re dealing with a sick child, or planning to head on a cruise, here’s what you need to know about dealing with norovirus. 

How long is someone contagious with norovirus?

People who have norovirus are most contagious when they have symptoms, like vomiting and diarrhea. But people are still very contagious up to 3 days after their symptoms go away. 

After that, people are less likely to spread the virus. But that doesn’t mean they're in the clear. Studies show that people can shed norovirus for several weeks even after their symptoms go away. While it’s possible to spread the virus for weeks, it’s not the norm. 

“Most people with normal immune systems are contagious while symptomatic and for a few days after their symptoms resolve,” said Dr. Shiv Sudhakar, infectious disease specialist and fellow of the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA). 

So, don’t stop washing your hands and taking precautions once your symptoms go away. Keep taking steps to stop norovirus spread for 7 to 10 days after your symptoms resolve. 

How does norovirus spread?

Norovirus can spread from person to person through:

• Food and water: You can get norovirus if you eat food or drink water with norovirus particles. Norovirus is one of the most common causes of food poisoning. 

• Person to person contact: You can pick up norovirus from other people through direct contact. If a person has virus particles on their hands or other parts of the body and you touch them, the virus can transfer to your hands. If you touch your mouth or face, then the virus can get into your body. 

• Objects: Norovirus can live on surfaces. If you touch these contaminated surfaces, you can pick up the virus. Then, if you touch your face or mouth, the virus can get into your body. 

Norovirus outbreaks are more common in close communities like:

• Nursing homes

• Cruise ships

• Military bases

• Schools

• Hospitals

How long does norovirus live on surfaces?

Norovirus is a sturdy virus and it can live on surfaces for weeks. If that surface isn’t properly cleaned and disinfected, anyone who touches it can get sick with norovirus. 

In studies, norovirus could live on food surfaces for up to a week, even if food was kept in the refrigerator. And it can live on surfaces like ceramic, formica, and stainless steel for up to a month.

How do you stop norovirus from spreading?

Regular handwashing is the single most important thing you can do to stop the spread of norovirus. Handwashing will get the virus off your hands so you can’t spread it to objects or other people. Handwashing can also keep you from getting sick if someone in your home, work, or school has norovirus. 

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, regularly during the day. It’s especially important to wash your hands before eating, preparing food, or touching your mouth or face. You should also wash your hands after caring for someone who is sick with norovirus. This includes feeding, bathing, and bathroom assistance. 

Always use soap and water for handwashing. Hand sanitizer doesn’t always kill norovirus. Dr. Sudhakar agrees: “Alcohol swabs do not kill the virus, so always wash your hands with soap and water when you are still contagious.”

It’s also important to disinfect frequently touched surfaces where norovirus is more likely to live, like:

• Kitchen countertops

• Kitchen faucets and handles

• Refrigerator doors and drawer handles

• Cooking surfaces like cutting boards

• Bathroom countertops

• Bathroom faucets and handles

• Bathroom doorknobs

• Toilets and flushers 

What cleaners kill norovirus?

Regular bleach is your best option if someone in your home is sick with norovirus. Studies suggest that bleach kills norovirus better than any other disinfectant. 

To make a bleach cleaner, the CDC recommends mixing 3 cups of bleach in 1 gallon of water. You can pour the solution into an empty spray bottle or dip a sponge into the solution for cleaning. 

Always wear gloves while cleaning with bleach since it can irritate or damage skin. If possible, leave a window slightly open while cleaning with bleach to let fumes escape. Never mix bleach with other cleaners. Bleach can react with many different household cleaners and create poisonous gas. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Jennifer Sample, MD

After a fellowship, Dr. Sample worked as the medical director at the University of Kansas Hospital Poison Center (The University Of Kansas Health System Poison Control Center), which served the state of Kansas for poison exposures. In 2007, she returned to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, as a consultant in clinical pharmacology and medical toxicology.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts