Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis which causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramping and diarrhea. Recovery can be hastened or slowed depending on what you eat after the norovirus infection.
What Is a Norovirus Infection?
When you think about a norovirus infection, it is important to understand the symptoms and causes of the condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a norovirus infection usually begin about 1-2 days after the infection. The symptoms typically last for about 3 days, but you may still be contagious for up to 3 days after the symptoms stop. The main symptoms of norovirus infection are abdominal pain and cramping with nausea, vomiting and profuse watery diarrhea. You may run a fever and just feel “rundown”.
Causes
The norovirus is typically found in the feces of infected people. However, you can also be exposed to the virus by eating contaminated food or water or by touching an infected object and then putting your hands to your mouth.
What to Eat after a Norovirus Infection
Take clear liquids only until all symptoms have been gone for 24 hours. What should you eat after that time? Here are a few suggestions.
| FOODS | RECOMMENDED | BENEFITS |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Foods |
Low-sodium Vegetables |
Replaces liquids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea; the high salt content helps to replace the sodium that was lost |
| Chicken Broth |
Replaces liquids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea; the high salt content helps to replace the sodium that was lost |
|
| Chicken Noodle Soup |
Soothes your stomach; replaces liquids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea; the high salt content helps to replace the sodium that was lost |
|
| Clear Liquids (water, sports drinks or clear soda) |
Replaces liquids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea; sports drinks can replace electrolytes lost due to vomiting and diarrhea |
|
| Solid Foods |
Banana |
Known as “BRAT” diet; easy to digest; no spices to cause further nausea; provides nutrients |
| Rice |
||
| Applesauce |
||
| Toast |
||
| Saltine Cracker |
Bland food that is easy to digest; provides calories and some nutrition |
|
| Baked Potatoes |
Bland food that is easy to digest; provides calories and some nutrition |
|
| Baked Skinless Chicken |
Bland food that is easy to digest; provides calories and excellent nutritional value |
What to Avoid after a Norovirus Infection
Avoid Certain Foods
- In general, try to avoid eating foods high in fat or high in sugar since both of these can cause continued diarrhea.
- Also, avoid spicy and highly seasoned foods since these may make your symptoms worse.
Avoid Infected Foods
- The most important and easy to do is to wash your hands before and after preparing food and before eating food.
- Be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables – even those you will peel before you eat them. Handling a contaminated potato and then peeling it will simply transfer the norovirus to the peeled potato.
- Oysters and shellfish that might be from contaminated waters should be cooked before you eat them.
- If you are in doubt about whether or not a food might be contaminated, throw it away.
- Keep all surfaces clean – especially food preparation areas – if you have been sick with a norovirus.