Dodging This Year's Nasty Norovirus

As temperatures dip below freezing, our bodies become extremely susceptible to illness, which prompts us to take extra caution when surrounded by others or outside. But aside from the typical weather-induced cold, there is something else to watch out for this winter – a unique strain of norovirus, a group of viruses that cause inflammation of the stomach and large intestine lining.

This year’s strain of the norovirus is spreading so quickly across the globe that researchers at the University of Cambridge have dubbed it the “ferarri of stomach viruses.” A recent Yahoo! News article reported that unlike most strains of norovirus, this year’s strain is especially prevalent because it’s spread by food handlers who aren’t properly washing their hands.

So, to help dodge this nasty norovirus, try following some of the tips below to boost your preventive care routines this season:

• Clean your food. Because this year’s norovirus is spread through contaminated food, be sure to wash and scrub all fruits and vegetables prior to consumption.
• Wash your hands more than usual. Beyond just washing your hands after using the restroom, you should aim to wash your hands every couple of hours. If soap isn’t available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Break out the bleach. Use bleach to disinfect any surfaces that might be exposed to the virus. This includes your desk, counter, or any other place frequently touched.
• Stay home. If you know of an outbreak near you, stay away from crowded, public areas for a few days.

For patients in the local area, Principal Medical Group specializes in preventive care. If you’re concerned about catching the norovirus this year, or simply want to learn more best practices for staying healthy year-round, contact us for a consultation.