Do you know about Norovirus?
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus is sometimes called the stomach flu or stomach bug. However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu, which is caused by influenza virus.
People of all ages can get sick with norovirus, which spreads very easily and quickly. You can get norovirus by accidentally getting tiny particles of feces (poop) or vomit in your mouth from a person with norovirus. It only takes a few norovirus particles to make you and other people sick.
There’s no vaccine to prevent norovirus infection and no drug to treat it. Wash your hands often and follow some simple prevention tips below to stay healthy.
Prevention Tips:
~Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, not just hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus. You can use hand sanitizers in addition to hand washing, but hand sanitizer is not a substitute for washing your hands with warm water and soap
~When preparing food, carefully rinse fruits and vegetables and thoroughly cook shellfish, such as oysters, to 145°F or higher.
~Do not prepare food or provide care for others when you are sick with norovirus and for at least after you feel better.
~Immediately clean and disinfect surfaces that have diarrhea or vomit on them. Use disposable gloves to wipe up vomit or diarrhea with paper towels. Next, use a bleach-based or other approved cleaner on the surface. Then clean the surface again with hot water and soap. Finish by cleaning laundry that may have vomit or poop, taking out the trash, and washing your hands.
