Don’t Be Kicked by Norovirus
The Norovirus is most commonly identified as a stomach flu, but it is not related. The one thing the stomach flu and Norovirus have in common is that it kicks you until you’re down.
To be infected with norovirus means time at home. Norovirus results in diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramping. The Norovirus spreads quickly because of its lingering power and casual contact.
Noroviruses are found in the vomit and stool of infected persons from the day they begin to feel ill, and the virus continues to be present in the stool for two weeks or more after the infected person feels better. This infection is considered most contagious during the first three days of illness.
Food and drinks can easily become contaminated with norovirus because the virus is very small, and it takes a small amount to make a person sick. Although the virus cannot multiply outside a human body, billions of norovirus particles are shed by infected people.
To prevent or limit the spread of norovirus:
- Commercial food handlers should not be preparing food while ill
- Practice good personal hygiene by washing hands with soap and water
- Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming
- Keep sick children and infant diapers away from the kitchen
- Clean and disinfect surfaces especially after illnesses
- Wash laundry thoroughly
