Norovirus in children: When symptoms peak and when they finally stop

It often starts without warning. Your child goes to bed fine, and a few hours later, they’re vomiting, exhausted, and you’re searching your phone for answers: How long does norovirus last?

Norovirus is one of the most common causes of sudden vomiting and diarrhea in children. The first 24 hours can feel intense. The reassuring part is that for most healthy kids, it’s short-lived.

To help you understand what’s normal and what’s not, we spoke with Dr. Steven Goldberg, MD, Chief Medical Officer at HealthTrackRx, and Anabel Perez, CPNP-AC, El Paso Children’s Hospital.

Here’s what to expect, how long norovirus typically lasts, and when you should call your pediatrician.

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes sudden vomiting and diarrhea. It’s sometimes called the “stomach flu,” but it is not related to influenza, cold, and congestion, and cannot be prevented by the flu shot.

Outbreaks happen year-round but are more common in colder months. Because it spreads easily in close spaces, it often moves quickly through households, daycares, and schools.

Dr. Goldberg notes that by age five, nearly all children will have had at least one norovirus infection.

How does norovirus spread?

If it feels like norovirus moves through families quickly, that’s because it does. It’s extremely contagious. The CDC estimates that norovirus causes 58% of foodborne illnesses in the United States, which is why outbreaks are common in homes, schools, and childcare settings.

Here’s how it typically spreads, and what that looks like in real life as a parent:

• When your child vomits
  Tiny virus particles can land on nearby surfaces like bedding, toys, and bathroom fixtures. In enclosed spaces, some particles may briefly linger in the air before settling.
• During everyday caregiving
  Changing diapers, cleaning up vomit, helping your child use the bathroom, or comforting them can transfer the virus to your hands.
• Through contaminated surfaces
  Doorknobs, countertops, faucets, phones, and toys can carry the virus if not properly disinfected. Touching these surfaces and then touching your mouth can lead to infection.
• Through food or water
  If someone who is sick prepares food, or if food and water are contaminated, norovirus can spread that way as well.

It doesn’t take much exposure for norovirus to spread. That’s why thorough handwashing with soap and water and proper surface cleaning are your best defenses at home.

How do you know if your child has norovirus?

For most parents, the first sign is sudden vomiting. It can come on quickly, sometimes waking your child from sleep. Diarrhea often follows within hours.

Common symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Mild fever
• Headache or body aches
• Low energy
• Reduced appetite

Babies and toddlers are more likely to vomit frequently and can become dehydrated faster because of their smaller fluid reserves.

The most important thing to watch for is dehydration. Signs include fewer wet diapers, dry lips, no tears while crying, unusual sleepiness, or decreased urination.

How long does norovirus last?

Signs and symptoms of norovirus usually begin to appear 12 to 48 hours after your child’s first exposure to norovirus and, on average, last 1 to 3 days, as per the National Library of Medicine. 

How long does norovirus last in children?

In toddlers and children older than 5 years, you may see that the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea typically resolve within 1-3 days. 

How long does norovirus last in babies?

Infants are at the highest risk of suffering from prolonged illness that can sometimes last 4 to 6 days.

How long does norovirus last on surfaces?

Norovirus is a tricky virus and is resistant to most disinfectants and hand sanitizers. Norovirus can last on surfaces, including food, door knobs, countertops, serving utensils, and mobile phones, for upto two weeks. 

How long is norovirus contagious?

Your child can stop showing symptoms after 1-3 days, however, norovirus can still be contagious for a few days even after your child’s symptoms improve. They can continue shedding the virus in the stool for upto two weeks or longer. So keep exercising precaution and maintaining hygiene in the household. 

How long does norovirus last in adults?

Most people with norovirus illness recover in 1 to 3 days.

How to prevent norovirus?

Norovirus spreads quickly, especially in homes, daycares, and preschools. While you can’t eliminate the risk completely, consistent hygiene habits make a big difference.

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after diaper changes, bathroom use, cleaning vomit, and before preparing food.
• Don’t rely only on hand sanitizer, as it’s less effective against norovirus.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces with a bleach-based cleaner.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Launder contaminated clothes and bedding on high heat.
• Keep your child home for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.

These steps may seem simple, but they are your strongest defense against this highly contagious virus.

What is the treatment for norovirus?

There’s no cure for norovirus, so care is centered on fluids and comfort.

What helps:

• Offer small, frequent sips of fluids.
• Continue breast milk or formula for babies.
• Use an oral rehydration solution if recommended by your pediatrician.
• Avoid sugary drinks, which can worsen diarrhea.

Antibiotics do not help because norovirus is a virus. In some cases, doctors may prescribe anti-nausea medication. Anti-diarrheal medications are generally not recommended for children.

When should you call the doctor?

Most children start to improve within 1 to 3 days. But trust your instincts. Call your pediatrician if you notice:

• A high fever
• Blood in the stool
• Severe stomach pain
• Vomiting that prevents your child from keeping fluids down
• Signs of dehydration, such as no tears, fewer wet diapers, dry lips, or very little urination
• Unusual sleepiness, extreme fussiness, or very low energy
• A sunken soft spot in babies

If something feels off, it’s always okay to check in. When it comes to dehydration, earlier is better.

Conclusion

Norovirus can feel overwhelming in the moment. The sudden vomiting, the laundry at 2 a.m., the worry about dehydration. But in most healthy children, it’s short-lived. With steady fluids, rest, and close monitoring, your child will likely be back to their usual self within a few days.

It’s also common for children to get norovirus more than once. Immunity doesn’t last long, and there are many strains of the virus. That’s why handwashing, careful cleaning, and keeping sick kids home still matter, even if your household has already been through it before.

The good news is this: while norovirus spreads easily, it also passes. And with the right care, most kids recover quickly and fully.

You may also like:

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• Gentle remedies for a newborn’s cold: What parents can safely try at home
• H5N1 bird flu: What pregnant moms and new parents need to know
• RSV in babies: Why this common virus can turn serious in newborns

Sources:

1. Norovirus. CDC. 2024. Norovirus Facts and Stats.
2. Infectious Diseases. AMA. 2025. What doctors wish patients knew about the contagious norovirus.
3. Norovirus Virology. National Library of Medicine. 2018. Norovirus Illnesses in Children and Adolescents.