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Colds and flu may be at the top of your list of illnesses to prevent this winter, but there’s one more to add – norovirus. Fortunately, many of the steps you take to prevent the common winter cold are the same steps you need to take to prevent norovirus.

What is norovirus?
“Norovirus is a group of viruses that cause the stomach flu, which is not the same as the respiratory illness, influenza,” says Mary-Lark Dupont, R.N., M.S.N., C.I.C., Manager of Infection Prevention at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. “Also, unlike bacterial infections, norovirus cannot be treated with antibiotics.”

Typically lasting one to two days, the onset of norovirus is very rapid after ingesting the contagious viruses. Symptoms are often severe and include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Some people may also experience chills, fatigue, fever, headache, muscle aches and stomach cramps. Although many people with norovirus recover quickly, some may require medical attention if they lose too much water in their bodies.

“The acute symptoms that don’t allow people to keep fluids in can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous,” says Dupont. “Dizziness, dry mouth, decreased urine output and extreme thirst are signs of dehydration and is an indication to seek medical care immediately.”

Preventing illness
Because noroviruses are found in stool and vomit, hand washing is imperative to help avoid getting ill. Proper washing should be done after using the restroom and diaper changing or before preparing food and eating.

“Effective hand washing requires vigorous friction with soap and water, rather than just putting soap on and letting the water run over your hands,” says Dupont. “If you’re using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, be sure to rub it in on all surfaces, including the front and back of your hands and fingers.”

In addition, thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables. Persons infected with norovirus should not prepare any food while ill and until three days after they recover.

If you or someone in your household is sick, be sure to disinfect contaminated surfaces with a bleach-based household cleaner.

Although there isn’t a treatment for this illness, getting plenty of fluids and rest will help prevent a more serious concern. “Our staff at Mount Auburn Hospital is well informed about norovirus and are active in containing and preventing its spread,” says Dupont.

For a free Mount Auburn Hospital physician directory, please call us at (617) 499-5094.