5 ways norovirus spreads

Each year, norovirus makes about 20 million people in the United States sick. It can cause you to vomit and have diarrhea. Diarrhea is loose and watery poop.

Norovirus spreads easily, especially in places with a lot of people. These can include the following.

• Schools
• Day care centers
• Nursing homes

There are many different types of the virus. It can infect you more than once. There is no vaccine to prevent it.

Outbreaks in the U.S. are most common from November to April. That’s why it’s sometimes called the ''winter vomiting bug." You can catch it at any time, though.

Norovirus is the top cause of illness related to food in the U.S. Symptoms may include the following.

• Upset stomach
• Cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever

Norovirus illness looks a lot like food poisoning. But they are different. Norovirus is a virus. Food poisoning is caused by bacteria.

Here is a way to tell the difference between the two.

• Food poisoning symptoms tend to happen right away. They last up to a day.
• Norovirus symptoms start 12 to 24 hours after you are exposed. They usually last from 24 to 72 hours.

Billions of pieces of norovirus can be found in vomit and poop. You can become infected if poop from an infected person gets into your mouth. This can happen if they don’t wash their hands after using the toilet and they touch food with dirty hands. Any food touched by an infected person can get norovirus on it.

Some foods can pick up norovirus at their source. These may include oysters, fruit, and vegetables.

To reduce your risk, try the following.

• Wash your food before you eat it. Wash fruits and vegetables very well.
• Don’t eat food that has been touched by the bare hands of service workers.
• Don’t share utensils or food with a person you think is infected.
• Cook oysters and other seafood to their recommended temperatures. Noroviruses are tough. Use enough heat to kill any germs.

Norovirus can be spread by touch. To reduce the risk of picking up the virus:

• Avoid shaking hands.
• Stay far away from people who are ill. If children are sick, keep them out of areas where food is handled.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often. Do it before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom, and after changing diapers.

You can pick up norovirus from surfaces. These include counters and faucets. The virus can live on things for days or weeks.

To reduce risk, use disinfectants to clean surfaces often. A disinfectant is a cleaning product made to kill germs. Some products found in stores may not be strong enough for norovirus. So, try this:

• Put on rubber gloves and a mask before you start cleaning.
• Mix 5 tablespoons of bleach and 1 gallon of room temperature water.
• Scrub as needed.

Direct contact with an infected person's vomit or stool can also spread norovirus. This includes when you change a diaper.

If a surface has vomit or poop from an infected person on it, clean it right away. Wear gloves. Use the same chlorine bleach solution from the previous slide.

Washing your hands can reduce risk of transmission. Here’s how to wash your hands the right way.

• Using warm or cold water, lather your hands with soap.
• Scrub for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse.
• Dry thoroughly with a clean towel.

Hand sanitizer can help, too. It can be used in addition to handwashing. Make sure you rub both sides of your hands. Also get in between your nails. Use a brand that is at least 60 percent alcohol.

Don’t forget bed linens and clothes with vomit or poop of an infected person on them. To clean these items:

• Put on rubber gloves or gloves you can throw away.
• Carefully wash them in a washing machine using hot water. Use the maximum length of the washing cycle.
• Machine dry your linens and clothing.

Wash your hands well after you touch dirty fabrics.

There's no cure for a norovirus infection. It has to run its course.

When you are sick, it's important to avoid dehydration. That’s when you don’t get enough fluids. Some symptoms might include:

• Peeing less often
• Having a dry mouth and throat
• Feeling dizzy when you stand up

Children who are dehydrated may be very sleepy or fussy. They may cry with few or no tears.

To avoid dehydration, try the following.

• Drink plenty of water.
• Consider sports drinks and other drinks if your dehydration is mild. They should not contain caffeine or alcohol.
• Buy an over-the-counter oral rehydration fluid.

If your dehydration is severe, get medical help. You may need intravenous (IV) fluids. These are fluids that are injected into a blood vessel.

The infection usually lasts just a few days. But the virus can stay in your poop for two weeks or more. During this time, keep practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands. Don't prepare food for others for at least two days after your symptoms go away.