Norovirus: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself January 2, 2025

You may see headlines discussing the rapid spread of norovirus across the US this time of year – but what is it, exactly? Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Often referred to as the “stomach flu,” it is responsible for outbreaks in schools, restaurants, and other communal settings. Despite its short-lived symptoms, the impact of norovirus can be severe, especially for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide.

Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Fever and body aches in some cases

While most people recover within 1 to 3 days, the virus is highly contagious, and even a small number of particles can infect others.

How Does Norovirus Spread?

Norovirus spreads through:

• Contaminated food or water: Especially when food handlers are infected or water sources are unclean.
• Close contact with infected individuals: Sharing utensils, hugging, or caring for a sick person.
• Touching contaminated surfaces: Then touching your mouth or eating without washing your hands.

Steps to Prevent Norovirus

1. Wash Your Hands Frequently
   • Use soap and warm water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
   • Hand sanitizer may help, but it’s not as effective as handwashing against norovirus.
2. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
   • Use a bleach-based disinfectant to clean surfaces that might be contaminated, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
3. Handle Food Safely
   • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
   • Cook shellfish and other foods to their proper temperatures to kill potential viruses.
4. Avoid Contact with Sick People
   • If someone in your household is sick, separate their personal items and wash their laundry promptly.
   • Encourage the sick person to stay home until 48 hours after symptoms resolve.
5. Dispose of Contaminated Items Properly
   • Immediately clean up vomit or diarrhea using disposable gloves and disinfect the area.
   • Place contaminated waste in sealed plastic bags for disposal.

If you contract norovirus, hydration is key. Sip water or oral rehydration solutions to avoid dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting. Most cases resolve on their own, but seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

By staying vigilant about hygiene, food safety, and cleanliness, you can reduce your risk of encountering norovirus and keep your community healthier.

Stay safe, and remember: clean hands save lives!

Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic is a free clinic in Charleston, SC, that provides free medical care to uninsured adults across Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties. To make a donation, visit bifmc.org. You can sign up for our monthly e-news updates, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.