What to do if someone in your home has norovirus

Norovirus cases have surged this winter, with outbreaks of the infamous stomach illness reaching more than double the number of infections at last year’s peak.

Because the virus is highly contagious, it can spread quickly, especially among people living in close proximity, such as a cruise ship or nursing home. This means that people living under one roof are all at risk if one person contracts the disease, which is characterized by symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

“Norovirus is difficult to avoid, especially in households, but you can reduce your risk,” Dr. John Whyte, WebMD’s chief medical officer, told HuffPost.

To help prevent the spread of norovirus in your home, follow the steps below.

“Norovirus is extremely contagious,” said Amanda Joy, physician assistant and associate medical director of MedStar Health Urgent Care. “You only need to be exposed to a few particles of the virus to spread it. »

The virus spreads easily through direct contact with an infected person.

“It’s not a respiratory virus, so it’s not spread through coughing or nasal droplets,” Whyte noted.

However, you should avoid sharing food or utensils with a sick person or consuming food that they have handled.

“Eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus or touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth will cause the spread,” Joy explained.

Once you are exposed to norovirus, it usually takes about 12 to 48 hours to develop symptoms. Most people are sick for one to three days, but they can remain contagious beyond that time.

“You can still spread norovirus up to 24 hours before symptoms appear and for two weeks or more after you feel better,” Joy added.

“Frequent and thorough hand washing is the best defense against norovirus,” Joy said. “It is important to rub your hands, between your fingers and under your nails for 20 seconds.”

Even if you accidentally touch a contaminated surface, washing your hands can protect you from infection.

“Caring for a sick child means closer contact, so be extra vigilant in washing your hands,” Whyte noted.

Keep in mind that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are less effective than traditional soap and water against norovirus because the virus has a firm outer covering that is resistant to alcohol.

“Hand sanitizer unfortunately does not completely eliminate norovirus,” Joy added. “It only takes one or two particles of the virus for it to spread. Since hand sanitizers are only 99% effective, washing your hands with warm water and soap is crucial to completely eliminate the risk.

“Isolating yourself to one place and one bathroom that can be thoroughly cleaned is the best route to prevention,” Joy said.

This option is of course more feasible if the infected person is an adult or older child and if you live in a home with multiple bathrooms and large private spaces.

“It’s often much easier to isolate adults and make sure they wash their hands thoroughly,” Joy noted. “Sick children often want to be held, which leads to more direct contact with the virus. If possible, identify a member of the household to care for the child, thereby limiting the risk of spread throughout the household. »

Infected people should stay home, even if their illness begins to improve.

“There is no specific medication to treat norovirus, but your doctor may recommend over-the-counter anti-diarrhea or anti-nausea medications,” Joy said. “Most people with norovirus feel better within one to three days, but should stay home from school or work until symptoms disappear completely.”

“Cleaning household surfaces with disinfectants can help stop the spread of norovirus,” Joy said.

The Mayo Clinic recommends using a bleach solution or disinfectant known to be effective against norovirus. Clean any potentially contaminated surfaces, especially in the common areas of your home.

“Even once they feel better, continue cleaning to make sure the virus is completely gone,” Whyte said.

Since norovirus can cause terrible vomiting and diarrhea, you may end up with a mess in the bathroom or elsewhere. Do not delay cleaning these areas and be very careful.

Use paper towels and put them in a trash bag that you can take out immediately. Be careful not to shake or disturb soiled objects to avoid spreading viral particles. After disinfecting the area, clean it again with soap and warm water.

When disinfecting your home and caring for anyone infected, make a habit of wearing rubber or disposable gloves to avoid spreading the virus.

“Wear gloves when cleaning up after the sick person and wash any dirty laundry immediately,” Whyte advised.

Be very careful when washing clothes and linens that may contain vomit or feces. And even after removing the gloves, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water at the end of the process.

“Even washing dishes for a sick patient can lead to spread if the person doing the dishes is not careful,” Joy added.

“Norovirus is easily spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth,” Whyte emphasized.

To this end, he advised against touching your face when possible, in addition to washing your hands frequently.

Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us how difficult it can be to stop touching your face, but the more you avoid rubbing or scratching your nose, eyes, or mouth, the better. your chances of preventing infection.

Although the virus is spread more often through surface contact than through the air, wearing a face mask can be a helpful way to prevent yourself from touching your face.

“If someone is sick, don’t let them do meal preparation,” Whyte stressed.

During this time, you’ll want to simplify meals and keep most people out of the kitchen, even if they show no signs of illness.

“Avoid sharing utensils, food or drinks with anyone in the household, as they can be contagious without symptoms,” Joy said.

If someone prepares food for your family, they need to be very careful.

“Make sure you wash fruits and vegetables,” Joy advised. “Steaming without cleaning may not be adequate because the virus can survive temperatures up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, so it should always be washed appropriately before steaming.”