Noroviruses are a group of related viruses that can cause inflammation of the stomach or intestines, also known as gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis). This leads to cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Norovirus is a germ that spreads quickly and easily. It causes vomiting and diarrhea that come on suddenly. Millions of people get ill with norovirus each year. You can help protect yourself and others by washing your hands often and following simple tips to stay healthy.
Norovirus Symptoms
Common symptoms:
diarrhea
vomiting
nausea
stomach pain
Less common symptoms:
fever
headache
body aches
Norovirus spreads quickly. It is found in the vomit and poop of infected people. You can get it by:
#Having direct physical contact with a person who is infected with norovirus, for example, caring for or shaking hands with an ill person and then touching your hands to your mouth
#Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus
#Touching surfaces or objects with norovirus on them and then putting your hands in your mouth
People with norovirus illness are most contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill and for the first few days after they recover. Some people may be contagious for even longer.
There is currently no vaccine available to prevent norovirus infection or drug to treat sick people.
NEW CLOTH CONTAINS NOROVIRUS
According to Philip Tierno, Professor of Microbiology and Pathology at New York University, factors such as store turnover and size of the store certainly come into play, but that the general rule of thumb is to assume you’re not the first—or even the fifth—person to pull that blouse over your not-so-clean torso.
And, after all, even if you knew that one very clean individual who you have no connection whatsoever to was the only person to have worn the garment before you, isn’t that enough on its own to consider washing it before you wear it in real life? We think so.
Still not convinced? The report also shared that Philip has conducted studies to test the number of bacteria on clothing from popular chain stores as well as high-end fashion brands, finding “norovirus, bacteria including strep and staph, and even fecal germs.” Pause for a shiver.
Though he confirms that the likelihood that you’ll actually be infected by any of the above is unlikely, he also mentions that “the possibility is there, especially if you have broken skin from a cut.”
What’s more, there are plenty of chemicals that the clothing has been treated with, even if no one in the world has touched it before you. And it’s those chemicals that are likely to irritate your skin or cause adverse reactions when you begin to include it in your go-to seasonal rotation.
The moral of the story? Wash your clothing before you wear it. Though risks of actually getting sick are still low, we, for one, think this report is enough to make us feel like we’re sitting in a petri dish of bacteria and harmful chemicals.
Protect Yourself and Others from Norovirus
Practice proper hand hygiene.
Wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers, and always before eating or preparing food. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. These alcohol-based products can help reduce the number of germs on your hands, but they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.
Handle and prepare food safely.
Carefully rinse fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly before eating.
People with norovirus illness should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for at least 2 days after they recover from their illness. Also see For Food Workers: Norovirus and Working with Food.
Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
After someone vomits or has diarrhea, put on disposable gloves to immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label.
If no such cleaning product is available, you can use a solution made with 5 tablespoons to 1.5 cups of household bleach per 1 gallon of water. Always clean up the entire area immediately after someone with norovirus vomits or has diarrhea . It will help keep others from getting sick from norovirus.
Wash laundry thoroughly.
Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or poop. Handle soiled items carefully—try not to shake them —to avoid spreading virus. If available, wear disposable gloves while handling soiled clothing or linens and wash your hands after handling. Wash soiled items with detergent at the maximum available cycle length and then machine dry.
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