Some individuals refer to norovirus as the “stomach flu” however it has nothing to do with the influenza virus that causes respiratory illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says norovirus is an intestinal virus and it is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis in the U.S.  Norovirus has been on the rise in recent weeks according to the latest data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although norovirus is more widespread during the fall and winter, you can become infected at any time of year.

Norovirus is highly contagious, as it spreads very readily and only takes a small amount of virus to infect you. It can make you awfully sick for two or three days with vomiting and diarrhea. But then you get over it. The danger is a little bit of dehydration if you lose too much fluid. The virus can also survive on environmental surfaces for days or even weeks. If you touch a contaminated surface with your fingertips and then touch your mouth; since the dose required to infect you is so small; you can get infected easily. Of course, you can spread it person to person, and food can be contaminated and you can get it that way. So, there are lots of ways to get norovirus.

If someone in your household suddenly becomes sick; isolate them. And try to keep away from them especially when they are vomiting. Vomiting aerosolizes the virus into the air. If you have a child with it and you do need to be near them, consider wearing gloves, a mask and frequently wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Make sure when you are cleaning high-touch surfaces (door handles, railings, light switches, faucet and toilet handles, & phones) and especially the bathroom you are using a cleaner that is effective against noroviruses for example Clorox wipes. This is a virus that's resistant to the basic alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Handwashing with soap and water is the best way to eliminate the virus and keep yourself and your family healthy.

Tips to prevent the spread of norovirus:

•          Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

•          Avoid food and water that might be contaminated

•          Clean fruits and vegetables before eating

•          Cook seafood thoroughly

•          If you're sick, stay home and avoid others

•          Avoid preparing food for others if you are sick with vomiting/diarrhea

•          Disinfect surfaces and counters that may be contaminated

•          Use caution when traveling