Norovirus - It's Back, But You CAN Prevent It!

Sarge6870 · January 27, 2013

In addition to the flu, doctors are warning people about the norovirus, which is spreading and making many sick. You may have heard of the norovirus before as there have been several major outbreaks on cruise ships in recent years. In layman’s terms, the norovirus is a stomach bug, and we are at the height of a new season with a new strain.

The norovirus is spread through food or drink that has been contaminated. You can also get it if you touch a contaminated surface or object and then put your hand to your mouth.Symptoms include abdominal cramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and fatigue, and hit suddenly.

"It's very contagious,” said Dr. Gary Simon. “There are multiple epidemics of it. Other than cleaning the areas, there's not a whole lot people can do about it." The norovirus is so contagious because it's so hardy. Your typical hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes are not going to help with the norovirus. People should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water. Also, they should use a bleach-based solution when wiping down surfaces.

Most people infected recover after a few days. But in rare cases, it can be fatal, particularly for the very old, very young and those with weaker immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 20 million cases of the norovirus each year, resulting in about 800 deaths in the U.S.

"It's so infectious and requires such a low concentration of virus,” Simon said. “It's rapidly spread through a population. That's why you see outbreaks on cruise ships, in dormitories, in places where people are in close contact with one another."

The CDC said there are five ways to protect yourself:

Wash your hands often
Wash fruits and vegetables
Cook shellfish thoroughly
Clean surfaces and wash soiled laundry
When you're sick don't prepare food, or care for others.

There is not a vaccine for the norovirus and no way to treat it.

Therefore, doctors said your best bet is prevention.

Source: Bay News 9

Jan115 · January 28, 2013

Thanks for posting this, and reminding us all to stay vigilant in preventing contamination. I am a frequent hand-washer and it really is the best way to avoid getting sick. I am not fanatic, but any means, but nevertheless, I do find myself carrying a small pack of disposable disinfectant wipes around with me - the casino slot machines come to mind. I don't know if it does anything for prevention, but I can't help but think of the number of hands on those machines all day long. :huh2:

Sarge6870 · January 29, 2013

Good plan Jan (ohhh...that rhymed!!!). Wiping down the surfaces of the slots (my favs) and other surfaces touched by fellow passengers can help with the prevention. Where I work, you can't turn a corner without coming across a bottle of hand disinfectant. The unfortunate thing that was discovered regarding the virus on cruise vessels is that the virus was brought onboard by a passenger. I guess that the sick passenger didn't want to miss their cruise which I find to be self-centered. Cruise ships have onboard sanitizers that they use to wash their fruits and veggies. Even in the kitchen where I work we have those sanitizers, so in my opinion I have to agree with the finding that the virus is being brought onboard. I do not believe it is manifesting itself on the ships.

DebbieandJerry · January 29, 2013

I agree with the theory that norovirus comes from the sick passenger doesn't want to miss his/her cruise! Hand washing - what a simple idea!!! (HA)

I was told that if you hum row-row-row your boat while you wash (with soap and warm water), that that is the length of time you need to sufficiently wash your hands!!!

Sarge6870 · January 30, 2013

I agree with the theory that norovirus comes from the sick passenger doesn't want to miss his/her cruise! Hand washing - what a simple idea!!! (HA)
I was told that if you hum row-row-row your boat while you wash (with soap and warm water), that that is the length of time you need to sufficiently wash your hands!!!

LOL!!! Maybe if you sang it twice or REALLY slow! But the CDC recommends you wash your hands at least 30 seconds thoroughly with the soap and warm water. :biggrin:

WeCruiseToo · February 2, 2013

We’ve all had this before – probably a few times – and we’ll all have it again in the future. We’ve always just called it “the flu”. And all those years ago when our parents were telling us to wash our hands… Who knew they’d turn out to be right? :biggrin:

Jan115 · February 2, 2013

The "plague" made its way around my house last month. We always called it the flu, as well, when we were growing up. I think any illness that kept us in bed with a fever was "the flu"- LOL - even if it didn't resemble influenza.