What are 5 ways to prevent norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu. It can spread quickly in closed places like daycare centers, nursing homes, schools, and cruise ships. But with a few simple steps, you can protect yourself and others from norovirus.

Wash Your Hands Frequently: This is perhaps the most effective way to prevent norovirus. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers, before eating, preparing, or handling food, and before giving yourself or someone else medicine. Hand sanitizers can be used in addition to hand washing, but they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.

Handle and Prepare Food Safely: Be sure to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them and cook seafood thoroughly. It’s also important to routinely clean and sanitize kitchen utensils, counters, and surfaces. If you’re sick, avoid preparing food for others.

Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Norovirus can survive on surfaces. Therefore, it’s important to clean and disinfect surfaces, especially after someone vomits or has diarrhea. Use a chlorine bleach solution or a disinfectant that’s effective against norovirus.

Wash Laundry Thoroughly: If clothes or linens may have vomit or feces on them, remove and wash them immediately. Handle soiled items carefully without shaking them, wash them with detergent at the maximum available cycle length, and then machine dry them at the highest heat setting.

Avoid Close Contact with Infected Individuals: Norovirus is highly contagious and can easily spread from person to person. Therefore, avoid close contact with anyone who has norovirus, especially in the first few days of their illness.

Remember, even if you’ve had norovirus before, you can get it again. Therefore, these preventive measures should always be followed to reduce your risk of infection. Stay safe and healthy!