Stay Healthy: Simple Strategies to Avoid Norovirus

Avoiding Norovirus, which is highly contagious and can spread rapidly, requires a combination of preventive measures. Here are effective ways to reduce your risk of infection:

Wash Your Hands Properly & Often

Frequent handwashing is one of the most important ways to protect yourself. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:
- After using the bathroom
- Before eating or preparing food
- After caring for someone who is sick
- After handling trash or cleaning up vomit/diarrhea
Hand sanitizers are not effective against Norovirus compared to soap and water, but they can still be helpful when handwashing is not possible.

Clean and Disinfect Surfaces Regularly

Disinfect high-touch areas like doorknobs, countertops, light switches, phones, and bathroom surfaces frequently, especially if someone in your household is sick.
Use a disinfectant with Bleach/Hydrogen Peroxide/Hypochlorous Acid : Norovirus is resistant to many disinfectants (Lysol & Clorox Wipes), but a bleach-based/Hydrogen Peroxide/Hypochlorous Acid cleaner are effective at killing the virus.

Avoid Close Contact with Sick People

Try to distance from sick individuals: Norovirus spreads easily through close contact with infected people. If someone is showing symptoms of Norovirus (vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps), try to avoid close contact with them. If this is not possible, wearing a mask can also be helpful.
Don’t share personal items like towels, dishes, and utensils. Wash them thoroughly if they are shared.

Practice Good Food Hygiene

Wash produce: Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cooking to remove any potential contaminants.
Cook seafood thoroughly: Norovirus is commonly spread through contaminated shellfish, so make sure to cook seafood properly (e.g., oysters, clams, mussels).
Avoid eating food prepared by someone who is sick: If someone handling food is sick, there’s a higher chance of contamination. Similarly, if you are feeling unwell, avoid preparing food for others.

Stay Home When You’re Sick

Isolate yourself: If you or someone in your household has symptoms of Norovirus, stay home to avoid infecting others.
Stay home for at least 48 hours after the symptoms have gone away. People can still spread Norovirus even after they feel better through stool, potentially up to 2 weeks after symptoms present.

Be Cautious in Shared Spaces

Public transportation, gyms, and schools can be hotspots for the virus. If an outbreak occurs, take extra precautions like frequent hand washing with soap an d water and wearing a mask.
Ventilate spaces: If someone is sick in your home or workplace, ensure proper ventilation to reduce the concentration of airborne particles.

Proper Waste Disposal

Clean up vomit or diarrhea immediately: If someone vomits or has diarrhea, clean the area immediately with a proper disinfectant. Wear gloves and use paper towels or disposable wipes to clean up the area.

Boost Your Immune System

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and immune-boosting nutrients (like Vitamin C and Zinc).
Stay hydrated and get enough sleep to support your body’s ability to fight off infections.

By consistently following these strategies, as well as staying informed about outbreaks, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting Norovirus. The key is maintaining good hygiene, avoiding contamination, and isolating yourself when sick to prevent spreading the virus.

Splash into Summer Water Safety

Once the summer temperatures go up during the day, we’re all drawn to water. Here are some safety tips to keep you and your family safe while in and around water this summer.

1. Teach kids early. Teach kids to get comfortable in water, take swimming lessons, and teach them about water safety.

2. Wear sunscreen. Make sure your skin is protected from the sun by wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is recommended. Avoid direct sunlight exposure for extended periods of time.

3. Actively supervise. Always actively supervise kids when they’re both in and around water. Make sure pools are secured with appropriate barriers. Parents should be within arm’s length of children while around water.

4. Walk, don’t run. Educate kids to never run around a pool. Also educate that they should never push others into the pool or jump on others while in the pool.

5. Have a buddy. Never let children swim alone. Always designate swimming buddies before visiting the beach or the pool.

6. Wear a life jacket. When on a boat, everyone of every age should wear a life jacket. Make sure your lifejacket is US Coast Guard approved.

7. Stay hydrated. Make sure everyone is drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially on hot days.

8. Get certified. Become certified in first aid and CPR.