What is a common symptom of Norovirus infection?

Projectile vomiting is a common symptom of Norovirus infection and is often associated with the severe gastroenteritis that it causes. Norovirus is highly contagious and typically leads to acute onset vomiting and diarrhea, which can be quite intense and sudden. This characteristic symptom distinguishes Norovirus from many other gastrointestinal infections, where vomiting may be less severe or less frequent.

In the case of Norovirus, the body’s response to the virus triggers a rapid and forceful contraction of the stomach muscles, leading to projectile vomiting. This symptom, along with diarrhea, usually appears within 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus, contributing to its quick spread, especially in crowded environments such as cruise ships, schools, and nursing homes.

While other symptoms like fatigue and loss of appetite can accompany the illness due to dehydration and the body fighting off the infection, they are not as distinctive or pronounced as projectile vomiting. Jaundice, on the other hand, is linked to liver issues rather than Norovirus and therefore wouldn’t be considered a symptom of this particular infection.