From schools to nursing homes, norovirus cases have surged to record numbers this winter, with over 90 outbreaks reported in early December alone.
This highly contagious “stomach flu” spreads rapidly, causing stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Yet, in today’s digital age, misinformation about its prevention and treatment often spreads even faster than the virus itself. Did you know, for example, that hand sanitizers are largely ineffective against norovirus? Here’s what you need to know to stay protected.
Norovirus, the leading cause of foodborne illness, nausea, and diarrhea in the United States, triggers inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Symptoms often appear suddenly and typically last one to three days.
Dr. Graham Snyder, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology at UPMC, offers insights into the treatment and prevention of the norovirus.
“Norovirus is highly contagious, with an ability to survive on surfaces very well and only a small number of viruses needed to cause illness. It is spread by either eating food contaminated by the unclean hands of a person preparing the food or by using your hands to eat after touching a contaminated surface. That is why hand hygiene is the most important way to prevent the spread of norovirus,” he says.
In addition to eating contaminated food, the virus spreads through touching infected surfaces and then touching your mouth.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains why norovirus spreads so easily and widely. Norovirus is incredibly resilient — it can endure extreme temperatures, resist certain cleaning products, and remain contagious on surfaces for days or even weeks. Even after symptoms resolve, people can shed billions of virus particles in their stool for up to two weeks, continuing to spread the illness. Common food preparation methods, like quickly steaming shellfish, may not kill the virus. Those recovering from norovirus can unknowingly spread it to others by preparing food or sharing a bathroom before they’re fully free of the virus.
According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), norovirus accounts for over 450,000 Emergency Department (ED) visits annually. By age 5, 1 in 40 children will have visited an emergency room due to norovirus. “The most important threat of illness with norovirus is dehydration,” Snyder notes. “Young children, older adults, and people with other medical conditions are at the highest risk of complications. Dehydration can result in dry mouth, dizziness when standing, and decreased urine. Seek medical attention if you cannot keep up with replacing fluids or symptoms that last more than 3 days.”
Rehydrating after vomiting and diarrhea is essential. Over-the-counter electrolyte solutions, like Pedialyte, are better than plain water for restoring fluids because they include important minerals your body loses. It’s best to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you further. Be cautious with sports drinks and fruit juices, as their high sugar content can worsen dehydration instead of helping.
To curb the spread, experts recommend remaining home while you recover from norovirus until at least two days after symptoms resolve. Proper handwashing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water is critical, as hand sanitizers are largely ineffective against norovirus.
Snyder says there are additional ways to protect yourself during norovirus outbreaks: “Cleaning potentially contaminated surfaces will reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Not all household products kill the virus, so be sure to check the label for the product instructions. Bleach-based products, including diluted chlorine bleach (5 to 25 tablespoons per gallon of water) are reliable for disinfecting surfaces. Wash contaminated laundry with detergent and hot water, with a hot dryer cycle (being sure to wash your hands after handling the laundry).”
There’s no any specific medication to treat this virus, and antibiotics are not effective as they fight bacteria. Many types of the virus exist, and immunity is short-lived, so it’s possible to get sick from norovirus multiple times throughout your life. Unfortunately, a vaccine does not exist for norovirus, but Snyder reports that potential vaccines are currently in development. Although this virus affects any age, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, please stay home until at least two days after you feel better. Don’t cook food for anyone else and use a separate bathroom from others in your home, if possible. Whether you are ill or not, remember healthy hand hygiene — and don’t substitute with hand sanitizer. Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, before and after preparing food, after changing diapers, after caring for people who are sick, after touching common surfaces, and after shaking hands with others.
Norovirus is persistent, but you can stay a step ahead with proper prevention. Protect yourself and those around you by practicing effective handwashing, disinfecting contaminated surfaces, and staying home while recovering. Sharing these tips with your community will help stop the spread of this highly contagious virus.
This article appears in Jan 15-21, 2025.
