Is it possible to have norovirus without a fever?
Mar 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
In general, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. However, Norovirus infection may present without fever. Norovirus is a highly contagious RNA virus and is a causative agent of acute gastroenteritis. This virus is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, such as through close contact, or contact with an infected person's vomit or feces, leading to norovirus gastroenteritis. The incubation period is generally 24 to 48 hours.
Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. However, norovirus infection may occur without fever. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Norovirus is a highly contagious RNA virus and is a pathogen causing acute gastroenteritis. This virus mainly spreads via the fecal-oral route, such as through close contact, touching the patient's vomit or feces, or ingesting aerosols, leading to norovirus gastroenteritis, with an incubation period generally lasting 24-48 hours.
After invading the human body, norovirus triggers an immune response from the human immune system. In some individuals with a stronger immune system function, the immune response can be rapidly initiated at the early stage of viral infection, effectively suppressing and clearing the virus. Additionally, when norovirus infection is mild, the resulting inflammatory response may be relatively slight, insufficient to stimulate the body's temperature-regulating center to cause elevated body temperature; therefore, fever symptoms may not appear. However, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may still occur.
If any of the above suspected symptoms of norovirus infection appear, or if there has been recent exposure to the virus, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention and receive treatment under the guidance of a physician. Self-isolation should also be implemented to prevent spreading the infection to others, and regular exercise should be maintained to enhance overall immunity.
