“For Stress-Free Healthy Living”
“For Stress-Free Healthy Living”
Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., causing nearly 60% of such illnesses. Meanwhile, norovirus also kills about 900 people—mostly adults 65 or older—and causes 109,000 hospitalizations, 465,000 emergency department visits, and 2.7 million outpatient clinic visits each year, says the CDC.
Here are some health tips doctors wish patients knew about the contagious norovirus.
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. (Sing Happy Birthday or the ABCs.)
A person who is infected can transmit norovirus for up to two weeks after they are feeling better. So, it is best to sanitize hard surfaces. Norovirus can stay on surfaces for days or even weeks, and is resistant to most disinfectants. A solution with 5 to 25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water is effective, or 1.25 to 6 tablespoons per quart. Bleach, however, is nasty to work with and can easily damage fabrics.
Fortunately, Daystar Cleaning & Restoration uses a disinfectant approved by the EPA to kill norovirus. Our trained cleaning technicians can safely sanitize your home or office. Call us at 850-769-0606 for a free estimate or to schedule a sanitizing service.
Everyone should stay home when sick with norovirus. And if there’s a vomiting or diarrhea episode, shut the place down and clean, clean, clean. Wear a mask and gloves for airborne particles.
If symptoms last more than 72 hours, visit your primary care physician to avoid dehydration.
Before preparing and eating your food, thoroughly wash and rinse fruits and vegetables. Cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are sick, you should not prepare or handle food for at least 48 hours.
Click here to download a small poster you can place in conspicuous areas.
For more details on what doctors say about norovirus, click here.
