Gastroenteritis caused by noroviruses usually resolves itself without treatment within a very few days. As of 2005 there are no medications or vaccines that are effective against the norovirus. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics and antidiarrheal medications may prolong the infection.

Norovirus infections should be treated by:

• drinking plenty of fluids, such as water and juice, to prevent dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea
• intravenous fluids if severe nausea prevents drinking, particularly in small children
• drinking oral rehydration fluids (ORFs) to prevent dehydration and to replace electrolytes (salt and minerals) and glucose
• avoiding alcohol and caffeine which can increase urination.

Commercially available ORFs include Naturalyte, Pedialyte, Infalyte, and Rehydralyte.

Juice, soda, and water do not replace lost electrolytes; nor do sports drinks replace nutrients and minerals lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Those taking diuretics should ask their healthcare provider whether to stop taking the medication during acute diarrhea.

Since the risk of dehydration is higher for infants and young children, the number of wet diapers per day should be closely monitored. Severely dehydrated children may receive rapid intravenous rehydration in a hospital or emergency-room setting.

A health care provider should be consulted if:

• symptoms of dehydration appear
• diarrhea persists for longer than a few days
• there is blood in the stool.