After being ill this past week I have been wondering what is the difference between Norovirus and a stomach virus.? I have known a tummy bug to last 24 hours but this one seems to last a lot longer.
Norovirus is the name for a group of viruses that largely cause gastroenteritis symptoms - vomiting, diarrhea, cramps etc.
A stomach virus affects your stomach and causes the above symptoms, so Norovirus is a stomach virus.
The name Norovirus became prevalent in the media a few years ago as the symptoms are particulary acute and it is very contagious and was known as 'winter vomiting disease'. Lots of people were affected at once and some schools and hospitals closed.