University of Illinois Extension
Seven tips to reduce spread of norovirus
Send a link to a friend
[April 04, 2023]
The
stomach flu is likely caused by norovirus, a group of related
viruses affecting the gastrointestinal tract. This highly contagious
virus has several strains and spreads quickly from person to person,
causing mayhem and illness.
Anyone can become ill with the norovirus at any time throughout the
year. However, more outbreaks in the United States occur during
winter, typically beginning in November and ending in April. The
seasonality of norovirus is likely due in part to people spending
more time indoors in close proximity during winter months, thereby
increasing the chance of spreading the virus.
Individuals infected with the virus will show symptoms within 12 to
48 hours after exposure. Symptoms can range in severity, including
body aches, abdominal pain, low-grade fever, tiredness, nausea,
vomiting, and diarrhea. The duration of the illness typically lasts
between 24 to 60 hours. Like other viruses, there is no treatment
for norovirus; it must run its course. If persons affected are
otherwise healthy, they will recover completely with no long-term
health effects.
However, children under five, adults aged 85 years and older,
expectant mothers, and those with a compromised immune system are at
greater risk of experiencing more severe symptoms, which may lead to
serious health problems. Drink plenty of liquids to prevent
dehydration from fluids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea. Contact a
healthcare provider immediately to seek medical treatment for
symptoms such as severe vomiting, bloody stools, lethargy,
dizziness, or low urine output.
Most people will become infected with norovirus at
some point in their lifetime; studies indicate that more than 60
percent of the U.S. population will be exposed to at least one of
these viruses by age 50. Being prepared can help to minimize the
risk of spreading the infection to others.
Tips to prevent the spread of norovirus
• Wash hands: Handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent
the spread of bacteria and viruses. Wet hands with clean running
water, apply soap, and scrub hands for at least 20 seconds. Make
sure to lather the backs of hands, between fingers, and under
fingernails. Rinse hands under clean running water and dry them
using a clean towel.
[to top of second column] |
• When sick, stay home:
Individuals infected with norovirus are contagious from when
they begin to feel ill until at least three days after symptoms
have resolved. Avoid being around others for travel, school, and
work until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• Do not prepare food for others when sick: The majority
of norovirus outbreaks come from food and beverages that have
been contaminated by someone handling food that is infected. Do
not prepare food for others when sick until 48 hours after
symptoms have stopped.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces:
Use a chlorine bleach solution or other disinfectant registered as
effective against norovirus by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). Norovirus can be spread through the air; to decrease
the risk of contamination, clean and disinfect not only the soiled
area but also an additional 25-feet radius around it.
• Use care around soiled items: Handle soiled items
carefully, wear disposable gloves when cleaning contaminated areas,
and always wash hands afterward.
• Wash clothes and linens separately: Remove any vomit or
feces before washing items and wash as soon as possible. Wash items
with laundry detergent and hot water at the maximum available cycle
level length, and dry items using the highest heat setting on your
dryer.
• Skip hand sanitizer: Hand sanitizers are ineffective
against norovirus. Instead, wash hands with soap and water,
scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizers in addition
to handwashing to prevent transmission of other types of bacteria
and viruses.
[Diane Reinhold, Nutrition and Wellness
Educator, University of Illinois Extension]
|