DB Blog - Norovirus Do’s & Don’ts
CJS Portsmouth Ltd
The South’s leading supplier of hygiene and cleaning solutions
Norovirus: Do’s & Don’ts for Prevention and Care
Norovirus cases in the UK are on the rise in 2024, with reported infections more than double the five-year average. This highly contagious virus, often called the “winter vomiting bug,” spreads rapidly through contact with infected people, contaminated surfaces, and food or water. Understanding the symptoms, prevention strategies, and effective hygiene practices can help protect yourself and others from this disruptive illness.
Symptoms of Norovirus
Symptoms of norovirus typically appear within 24 to 48 hours of exposure and can last up to three days. While uncomfortable, these symptoms are usually self-limiting in healthy individuals. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal cramps, body aches, low-grade fever, dehydration, particularly dangerous for the elderly and young children. If symptoms persist or dehydration becomes severe, seek medical advice promptly.
Prevention: Key Steps to Avoid Norovirus
Norovirus is highly contagious, but you can take steps to minimise its spread:
Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:
Note: Hand sanitisers are not effective against norovirus and should only supplement handwashing.
Food Safety: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Cook shellfish, such as oysters, to an internal temperature of at least 63°C (145°F). Avoid consuming raw or undercooked shellfish. Keep raw seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods.
Avoid Handling Food When Sick: Do not prepare or handle food for others while you are symptomatic or within 48 hours after symptoms stop. This is especially important if you work in high-risk settings like restaurants, schools, or care homes.
Hygiene Practices to Stop the Spread
If someone in your home or workplace has norovirus, follow these cleaning and disinfection tips:
Clean Surfaces Immediately: Wear disposable gloves when cleaning. Use paper towels to wipe the affected area, and dispose of them in a sealed bag. Disinfect surfaces using a chlorine bleach solution (1,000–5,000 ppm) or a disinfectant approved for norovirus. Leave the solution on surfaces for at least 5 minutes before wiping.
Laundry: Carefully remove and wash contaminated clothing or linens without shaking them. Use detergent and hot water, and machine dry on high heat. Wash your hands immediately after handling soiled laundry.
Personal Items: Avoid sharing towels, utensils, or cups with an infected person. Dispose of vomit or diarrhoea promptly and hygienically.
Treating Norovirus: What You Should Do
There is no specific treatment for norovirus, but supportive care can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications:
Rest: Stay in bed and avoid strenuous activities.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or oral rehydration solutions, to counter dehydration.
Avoid Work: Remain at home until at least 48 hours after symptoms subside to avoid spreading the virus.
Avoid Vulnerable Environments: Refrain from visiting hospitals, care homes, or similar settings while symptomatic or within 48 hours of recovery.
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Why Norovirus is a Concern?
The UK has seen a sharp increase in norovirus cases in 2024, with activity starting earlier in the season. The dominant strain this year, genogroup 2 (GII.17), has contributed to more widespread outbreaks. Public awareness and adherence to prevention measures are crucial in curbing its spread.
Final Thoughts
Norovirus is unpleasant but preventable with proper hygiene and awareness. By practising good handwashing, safe food handling, and prompt cleaning, you can reduce your risk of infection. If you experience symptoms, take care of yourself, stay hydrated, and avoid exposing others until fully recovered.
For an instant emergency solution, we have ready made infection control packs that can be used to swiftly eradicate a break out. Please check here.
Together, we can minimise the impact of norovirus and keep our communities safer and healthier this season.
We have our all purpose sanitisers that can be used with a handheld and battery-powered mist sprayer, which is designed for sanitising small to medium areas.
With a generous 4 litre capacity, the sprayer projects a fine mist of droplets 50μm in size over 1.5m in distance, and at a rate of around 145ml per minute. It is powered by a 12v rechargeable lithium battery, and has an operating time of approximately 45 minutes, while taking an hour to fully recharge. It is recommended to charge fully once every three months.
See the video on how to use the spray: 12V Handheld Mist Sprayer demo video
If you need more detailed information on any of our cleaning products that are effective against a Norovirus outbreak, kindly reach out to us. Your proactive approach to cleaning and disinfection could be the key to preventing the spread of viruses & diseases in your community.
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Thank you.
Yours, DB