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Norovirus

Norovirus

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus.

Norovirus infection causes gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). This leads to diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Norovirus illness is often called by other names, such as food poisoning and stomach flu. Noroviruses can cause food poisoning, as can other germs and chemicals. Norovirus illness is not related to the flu (influenza). Though they share some of the same symptoms, the flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus.

Norovirus spreads very easily and quickly

  • It only takes a very small amount of norovirus particles (fewer than 100) to make you sick.
  • People with norovirus illness shed billions of virus particles in their stool and vomit and can easily infect others.
  • You are contagious from the moment you begin feeling sick and for the first few days after you recover.
  • Norovirus can spread quickly in enclosed places like daycare centers, nursing homes, schools, and cruise ships.
  • Norovirus can stay on objects and surfaces and still infect people for days or weeks.
  • Norovirus can survive some disinfectants, making it hard to get rid of.

5 Tips to Prevent Norovirus From Spreading

  1. Practice proper hand hygiene
  2. Wash fruits and vegetables and cook seafood thoroughly
  3. When you are sick, do not prepare food or care for others 
  4. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces 
  5. Wash laundry thoroughly
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