What’s norovirus?
Norovirus, also referred to as the Norwalk virus, is a extremely contagious virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdomen ache. In some circumstances, it may additionally trigger fever, headache, and physique aches, however it’s not the identical virus that causes the flu. Though most individuals recuperate from the sickness inside three days, they’ll proceed spreading the virus for 2 weeks or extra, per the CDC.
How does norovirus unfold?
Anybody can get sick with norovirus, however those that eat uncooked seafood, which can include the virus, are at a better threat of contracting it. Kids, older adults, and folk with a compromised immune system are additionally prone to contracting critical sickness, based on the CDC.
As a result of norovirus could be very contagious, you possibly can contract it by having direct contact with somebody with the virus, consuming meals and drinks dealt with by them, and sharing meals utensils with them. As well as, you may get sick by touching contaminated surfaces and issues so it is crucial to clean your fingers regularly.
How are you going to shield your self from norovirus?
In the event you’ve heard it as soon as, you have heard it 1,000,000 instances: Washing your fingers regularly is considered one of your finest defenses towards contracting norovirus. (FYI, norovirus is immune to hand sanitizers.) Whether or not you are prepping meals or altering soiled diapers, washing your fingers with antibacterial cleaning soap and heat water for at the very least 20 seconds can assist take away dangerous pathogens. Avoiding uncooked seafood and completely washing vegetables and fruit may cut back your threat.
In the event you or somebody in your family turns into sick with norovirus, the CDC advises staying dwelling and avoiding contact with anybody else for at the very least 48 hours after signs subside. Contaminated areas (aka, loos) of your property might be disinfected with a bleach resolution (3/4 cup in a gallon of water), Roger Seheult, MD, a board-certified pulmonologist assistant scientific professor on the University of California Riverside School of Medicine and the College of Drugs and Allied Well being at Loma Linda University in California, beforehand advised Well+Good.
Sadly, there aren’t particular medicines you possibly can take to deal with norovirus; you must let the virus run its course. Nonetheless, ingesting loads of fluids, notably beverages with electrolytes, can assist you keep hydrated and replenish misplaced minerals.
