Doctors' Tips to Fight the Norovirus
Stop the spread of the "Winter Vomiting Disease"
The norovirus is becoming more recognized in our community and across the United States. According to the CDC, there are about 2,500 norovirus outbreaks that occur each year.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is spread through contaminated food, water, surfaces or direct contact with infected individuals. Often, outbreaks occur in crowded, enclosed spaces such as cruise ships, nursing homes, daycares and schools.
The virus can occur year round but is typically more often seen in colder months. There are several ways to help stop the spread of norovirus, commonly known as "winter vomiting disease."
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Use a bleach-based cleaner to disinfect contaminated surfaces.
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When preparing food, make sure to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and cook the food to a proper temperature.
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Washing laundry regularly can reduce the spread of the virus to others.
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It is best to stay home for 48 hours after symptoms have ended.
To prevent infection, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, as alcohol-based
hand sanitizers are less effective against norovirus.
If you have norovirus, what should you do?
If infected, monitor for signs of dehydration and seek medical care if symptoms worsen, especially for those in high-risk groups. Individuals that are considered high-risk include those with weakened immune systems, young children and the elderly.
According to the CDC, the most effective way to treat norovirus is to manage the symptoms. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is crucial. Most symptoms usually resolve within three days. When experiencing symptoms, it can be beneficial to eat easy-to-digest foods from the BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—especially if maintaining a regular diet is challenging. Additionally, it’s important to rest as much as possible during this time.
"Individuals with a norovirus infection should avoid preparing food for others until
at least 48 hours after their symptoms have completely resolved.
The norovirus is a highly contagious virus that poses a serious health risk in crowded settings. To reduce its spread, it's important to practice good hygiene, clean surfaces thoroughly, and stay home when symptomatic. High-risk individuals should seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Staying hydrated and managing symptoms can help speed up recovery.