Norovirus and rotavirus can both cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea. However, they are different conditions that result from different viruses.
Both viruses also have similar methods of transmission and duration, making them difficult to tell apart. However, in generall, rotavirus mostly affects children, while norovirus can affect people of any age.
This article outlines the symptoms, causes, and treatment of norovirus and rotavirus. It also discusses prevention strategies and when to contact a doctor.
Norovirus and rotavirus share many similarities. They cause many of the same symptoms, affect people of any age, and have a similar duration of symptoms. Often, the only means of diagnosis is through a stool sample test.
The table below shows the characteristics of norovirus and rotavirus.
| Norovirus | Rotavirus | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it affects | common at | |
| Duration | ||
| Most common symptoms | vomiting nausea diarrhea stomach pain | severe, watery diarrhea nausea vomiting fever abdominal pain |
| Other possible symptoms | fever body aches headache | loss of appetite dehydration |
| Severity | less severe, comparatively | can be especially severe for infants and children |
Both norovirus and rotavirus can spread from person to person and via contaminated surfaces and food.
Norovirus causes
Norovirus is
According to The Department of Health and Human Services, the most common causes of norovirus include:
- shellfish
- contaminated foods
- any food that contains particles of vomit or feces from a person with the virus
- ready-to-eat foods that a worker with the virus has handled
A person
- consuming contaminated water
- having direct contact with someone with the virus
- touching a surface that the virus has contaminated and then putting their hand in their mouth
Rotavirus causes
The
Someone may get particles in their mouth if they:
- eat contaminated food or drink contaminated water
- touch a contaminated surface or object and then put their hands in their mouth
- have fecal particles on their hands and put their unwashed hands in their mouth
People with the virus shed rotavirus particles in their stool, which is how the virus spreads. A person with rotavirus is most contagious during the first
A doctor may diagnose a person according to their symptoms after asking questions and performing a physical examination.
If necessary, a doctor can ask for a stool sample test, which a laboratory can test to confirm either of the viruses.
There is no specific medication to treat either virus. A doctor may recommend medication to treat the symptoms, such as anti-diarrheals and antiemetics, to help stop diarrhea and vomiting, respectively.
The
Someone with either virus should drink plenty of liquids and take oral rehydration solutions that are available over the counter.
If a person becomes severely dehydrated, they require immediate medical attention. A doctor may treat severe dehydration with IV fluids directly into their veins.
Symptoms of dehydration
- decreased urination
- a feeling of dizziness when standing up
- no tears when crying
- lack of sweat
- dry throat and mouth
- fatigue
People can help prevent both viruses by:
- practicing hand hygiene by thoroughly washing their hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, giving a person medication, or preparing and handling food
- preparing and handling food safely, washing fruits and vegetables, and cooking food, such as shellfish or meat, all the way through
- regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
- avoiding preparing food or caring for others if a person has either virus
For rotavirus specifically, the most effective form of prevention is to receive a rotavirus vaccine.
There are two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved rotavirus vaccines available in the United States, which infants can have when they are 6–24 weeks old.
A person should contact a doctor if they:
- have signs of dehydration
- develop a high fever
- have blood in their stool or vomit
- have severe stomach or abdominal pain
- are still vomiting and having diarrhea after a few days
Below are answers to common questions about norovirus and rotavirus.
What are the incubation periods for norovirus and rotavirus?
An individual typically develops symptoms of norovirus and rotavirus within
What is the difference between norovirus and gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection due to bacteria or a virus. Bacterial gastroenteritis often occurs when a person consumes bacteria such as salmonella. In viral gastroenteritis, norovirus is often the cause of the infection.
Rotavirus is one of the
Both viruses may be more severe in infants, children, and older adults. The symptoms of norovirus and rotavirus usually go away on their own within
The most serious risk of both viruses is the threat of severe dehydration, which can lead to serious health problems.
Norovirus and rotavirus share many similarities, such as common symptoms, which include diarrhea and vomiting.
Rotavirus tends to affect infants and children more often and more severely than adults. Rotavirus vaccinations are available for infants and are an important preventive measure.
Both viruses are highly contagious and spread through contaminated food and surfaces and from other people with the virus. A person may develop either virus through the fecal-oral route, where particles of infected feces reach their mouths.
People should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and practice appropriate hygiene measures to avoid spreading the virus to other people.