Avoid the Gift of Norovirus this Holiday Season

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.  Norovirus is sometimes called the stomach flu or stomach bug. However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu which is caused by influenza virus.  People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus.  Norovirus can get on food if touched by sick people, placed on contaminated surfaces, or contaminated at the source.

Cases of norovirus tend to increase around the holidays, as people come together for holiday celebrations and dinners.

You can get norovirus from:

• Having direct contact with an infected person
• Consuming contaminated food or water
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth

You can protect Yourself from Norovirus by:

• You can help protect yourself and others from norovirus by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water and following other simple prevention tips.
• Handle and prepare food safely
• When you are sick, do not prepare food or care for others

Treatment

There is no specific medicine to treat people with norovirus illness.  If you have norovirus illness, you should drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost from vomiting and diarrhea. This will help prevent dehydration.