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The threat of norovirus will put a pang into anyone’s stomach. And no wonder – it’s extremely contagious, causes several days of GI miserableness, and there’s no specific medical treatment.

How you catch norovirus

People typically think of norovirus as something you catch on cruise ships. Unfortunately, that’s far from the case. The virus spreads very easily and quickly in different ways. You can get norovirus by:

• Having direct contact with someone with norovirus – such as if you’re caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, shaking hands with them, or eating food handled by them.
• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus. Case in point, there have been 2 food recalls this past week, because certain oysters and clams have been found to carry norovirus (Shellfish can absorb untreated human sewage that contains norovirus; when humans eat the contaminated shellfish, they can become infected).
• Touching contaminated objects or surfaces (i.e. door handle, pen, TSA bin, and plane armrest or seatback table), and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.

From the CDC:

Norovirus is very contagious and spreads very easily and quickly in different ways.

Contaminated food

Norovirus can spread through contaminated food when:

• A person with norovirus touches food with their bare hands.
• Food is placed on a counter or surface that has poop or vomit particles on it.
• Tiny drops of vomit from a person with norovirus spray through the air and land on the food.
• Food is grown with contaminated water (like oysters), or fruit and vegetables are watered with contaminated water in the field.

Contaminated water

Recreational or drinking water can get contaminated with norovirus:

• At the source such as when a septic tank leaks into a well.
• When a person with norovirus vomits or poops in the water.
• When water isn’t treated properly, such as with not enough chlorine.

People tend to read about norovirus outbreaks on ships because it’s the same few thousand people touching the same surfaces such as buffet utensils. But it actually can be spread anywhere. In fact, between September and October of this year alone, there were several hundred outbreaks of norovirus in 38 states.

How to avoid catching norovirus

Cruise ships tend to have hand sanitizer onboard, located in optimal locations, such as just outside areas where food is. Unfortunately, norovirus is a hardy little bugger and hand sanitizer doesn’t get rid of the virus if it happens to be on your hands – only soap and water does.

And if you’re in charge of keeping surfaces virus-free, use bleach-based products to keep norovirus at bay.

What to do if you catch norovirus

If you’re infected with norovirus, you’ll usually develop symptoms roughly 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to the virus. If you have it, you’re going to feel pretty miserable for several days. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain. However, other symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, fatigue and body aches.

There’s no specific treatment for norovirus; you have to let it run its course. But it’s important to stay hydrated, since you lose a lot of body liquids from all the diarrhea and vomiting. But drinking water, soda, etc., won’t hack it – try to drink things that will replenish your electrolytes, such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. Any food you may eat should be bland – toast, crackers, bananas, soup – you want to avoid irritating your stomach.

Be the most careful when children, senior citizens or someone with a weakened immune system have norovirus – their bodies can’t handle being dehydrated as well. If they (or anyone else)  experience severe dehydration with dry mouth and dizziness, persistent vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, fever over 102°F or blood in the stool or vomit, call the doctor.

You’ll be most contagious while you have symptoms, as well as during the first few days after you feel better. But, FUN FACT!, you can still spread norovirus up to 2 weeks or more after you feel better. So make sure you and those near you continue to take precautions during that time.

Feel better!

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