Avoid the stomach bug: how to prevent norovirus.

What is norovirus? Understanding how it spreads.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes stomach and intestinal inflammation, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain.

Known as the “stomach bug,” norovirus is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis worldwide.

The virus spreads easily through:

• Contaminated food or water. Eating food or drinking liquids that carry the virus is a common way to get sick.
• Contact with contaminated surfaces. Norovirus can survive on surfaces for days and is difficult to kill with regular cleaning products.
• Close contact with an infected person. Sharing utensils, shaking hands, or even being near someone infected can spread the virus.
   

What makes norovirus particularly challenging is how little it takes to get sick. Even a small amount of the virus can cause an infection. Outbreaks often occur in crowded places like schools, nursing homes and cruise ships. 

The good news? You can take steps to prevent its spread. Understanding how norovirus works is the first step in protecting yourself and those around you.

Good hygiene habits to prevent norovirus infections.

You can prevent norovirus by being proactive. Since the virus spreads so easily, maintaining good hygiene and following proper food safety practices can significantly reduce your risk.

Here are some tips to help prevent norovirus infections:

• Wash your hands frequently. Use soap and warm water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or before eating or preparing food. Hand sanitizers are not as effective against norovirus as soap and water.
• Disinfect surfaces properly.Use a bleach-based cleaner to wipe down frequently touched areas, such as countertops, doorknobs and light switches. Regular cleaning products may not kill norovirus.
• Handle food safely.Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and ensure all shellfish is cooked to the recommended temperature. Avoid preparing food if you feel sick or have been recently ill.
• Avoid sharing personal items.Do not share utensils, drinks, or towels with others, especially if someone in your household is sick.
• Stay home when you’re sick.If you have symptoms of norovirus, avoid contact with others until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. This helps prevent spreading the virus.

These habits can help keep you and your family stay safe, especially during times of heightened outbreaks. Taking small, everyday precautions can make a big difference in preventing the spread of norovirus.

Does everyone exposed to norovirus get sick?

Not everyone exposed to norovirus will have symptoms. But the virus is highly contagious and most people are at risk. Several factors can affect whether someone gets sick after being exposed to norovirus:

1. Immune system strength: People with stronger immune systems may have less severe   symptoms or may not get sick at all.
2. Previous exposure: Some people may have partial protection  if they’ve been exposed to a similar strain of norovirus in the past, but this protection is usually temporary.
3. Amount of exposure: Even a small amount of norovirus can make you sick, but the more you’re exposed to, the higher the chance of getting infected. For those who get sick, symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Watch for signs like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you think you’ve been exposed, make sure to  practice good hygiene to prevent  spreading the virus.

How CityMD’s virtual visits can help you manage norovirus symptoms.

If you think you might have norovirus, staying home is one of the best ways to avoid spreading it to others. However, you may still need medical advice, especially if your symptoms worsen or last longer than expected. That’s where CityMD’s virtual visits come in.

A virtual visit lets you speak directly to a healthcare provider from the comfort of your home. This allows you to get advice on managing symptoms, staying hydrated and preventing complications. If your symptoms are more serious, like dehydration, your provider can recommend the next steps or arrange for in-person care if needed.

CityMD makes it easy to get the help you need without leaving your home. Learn more about CityMD’s virtual care services and take charge of your health today.