Can't Stop Vomiting? Norovirus & Medically Approved Next Steps

If you can't stop vomiting, one of the most common causes is norovirus. Often called the "stomach flu" (though it's not related to influenza), norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes sudden vomiting and diarrhea. It spreads quickly in households, schools, cruise ships, and healthcare settings.

While norovirus is usually short-lived, repeated vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration — especially in children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions. Here's what you need to know about norovirus, what to do next, and when to seek medical care.

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What Is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a virus that infects the stomach and intestines, causing inflammation known as acute gastroenteritis. It spreads through:

• Close contact with an infected person
• Contaminated food or water
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then your mouth
• Airborne droplets after someone vomits

It only takes a small amount of the virus to make someone sick.

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Common Norovirus Symptoms

Symptoms usually start 12–48 hours after exposure and can come on suddenly.

Typical symptoms include:

• Sudden, repeated vomiting
• Watery diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Low-grade fever
• Headache
• Body aches

Most people feel significantly better within 1 to 3 days, but you may feel weak or tired for a few days after.

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Why Vomiting Happens

With norovirus, your body reacts to infection by triggering inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Vomiting is your body's attempt to clear the virus. While unpleasant, it's part of the immune response.

The concern isn't usually the virus itself — it's dehydration from fluid loss.

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Signs You May Be Getting Dehydrated

Dehydration can happen quickly if vomiting is frequent.

Watch for:

• Dry mouth or tongue
• Dark yellow urine or very little urine
• Dizziness when standing
• Fatigue or weakness
• Sunken eyes
• In children: no tears when crying, dry diapers for 6+ hours

If you notice these signs, you need to increase fluids immediately and may need medical care.

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Medically Approved Next Steps

If you suspect norovirus and can't stop vomiting, here's what doctors recommend:

1. Focus on Hydration First

Even small amounts of fluid help.

• Take small sips every 5–10 minutes
• Try oral rehydration solutions (electrolyte drinks designed for illness)
• Ice chips or frozen electrolyte pops can help
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks

If vomiting continues, wait 30–60 minutes after the last episode before trying fluids again.

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2. Ease Back Into Food Slowly

Once vomiting slows:

• Start with bland foods:
  • Toast
  • Rice
  • Bananas
  • Applesauce
  • Plain crackers
• Avoid fatty, spicy, or dairy-heavy foods at first

Do not force food. Hydration is more important in the first 24 hours.

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3. Rest

Your body needs energy to fight the infection. Avoid strenuous activity and get plenty of sleep.

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4. Prevent Spreading Norovirus

Norovirus spreads extremely easily — even after symptoms improve.

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water (hand sanitizer is less effective)
• Disinfect surfaces with bleach-based cleaners
• Wash contaminated clothing and bedding in hot water
• Avoid preparing food for others until at least 48 hours after symptoms stop

You can still spread norovirus for several days after you feel better.

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When to See a Doctor

Most cases of norovirus resolve without medical treatment. However, you should speak to a doctor immediately if you experience:

• Inability to keep fluids down for 24 hours (sooner for children or elderly adults)
• Signs of severe dehydration
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever (over 102°F / 39°C)
• Vomiting lasting more than 3 days
• Confusion, lethargy, or fainting

Infants, pregnant individuals, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems should seek care sooner if symptoms are severe.

If symptoms feel life-threatening — such as confusion, chest pain, or difficulty staying conscious — seek emergency medical care right away.

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Could It Be Something Other Than Norovirus?

While norovirus is very common, repeated vomiting can also be caused by:

• Food poisoning from bacteria
• Migraine-related vomiting
• Gallbladder disease
• Pancreatitis
• Intestinal blockage
• Pregnancy
• Medication side effects
• Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

If vomiting happens in repeated episodes over time — especially if you feel completely fine between episodes — it may not be an infection at all. Consider using a free AI-powered Cyclic Vomiting symptom checker to help identify whether your pattern of symptoms might be related to this often-overlooked condition.

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How Long Does Norovirus Last?

In most healthy adults:

• Vomiting: 1–2 days
• Diarrhea: up to 3 days
• Fatigue: several days

If symptoms last longer than 72 hours without improvement, it's important to check in with a healthcare professional.

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Can You Treat Norovirus With Medication?

There is no specific antiviral medication for norovirus. Treatment focuses on supportive care:

• Fluids and electrolytes
• Rest
• Anti-nausea medication (if prescribed by a doctor)

Doctors may prescribe medications like ondansetron in severe cases to help control vomiting and prevent dehydration.

Antibiotics do not work against viruses and are not helpful for norovirus.

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Who Is Most at Risk of Complications?

While most healthy adults recover fully, certain groups are more vulnerable:

• Babies and young children
• Adults over 65
• People with chronic illnesses
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• Pregnant individuals

In these groups, dehydration can develop quickly and become serious if untreated.

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Practical Tips for Getting Through It

• Keep a container nearby to reduce stress about sudden vomiting
• Sip fluids even if you don't feel thirsty
• Avoid strong smells or greasy foods
• Sit upright after drinking fluids
• Don't rush back to normal eating

Recovery may feel slow, but most people improve steadily.

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The Bottom Line

If you can't stop vomiting, norovirus is one of the most common causes, especially if symptoms started suddenly and include diarrhea and stomach cramps.

In most cases, norovirus clears on its own within a few days. The most important steps are:

• Stay hydrated
• Rest
• Prevent spreading it to others
• Monitor for signs of dehydration

However, persistent vomiting is never something to ignore. If symptoms are severe, last more than a few days, or you're unable to keep fluids down, speak to a doctor promptly. Seek emergency care if you experience signs of severe dehydration, confusion, or any life-threatening symptoms.

Vomiting is exhausting and uncomfortable, but with proper care and attention, most people recover fully from norovirus without lasting problems.