Protect Yourself: the Latest Virus

I have been down sick all weekend, and it is certainly a very unpleasant thing. The “Noro Virus” is similar to a stomach flu. It is highly contagious, but there are some things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones. Symptoms of the Noro virus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, achy body, and low-grade fever (usually not much above 100 degrees). This virus moves quickly among confined communities, such as daycare centers, hospitals, and nursing homes. I work in a nursing home, and I was exposed by caring for a resident with these symptoms. It only takes 10 virus particles to infect, and once the person has vomited, the virus is airborne.

One of the best precautions against this virus is proper hand-washing. Start by turning the water on with a clean paper towel to a reasonably hot temperature, then throwing the paper towel away. Wet your hands with the water and apply a generous amount of soap. Lather, creating as much friction as possible, starting at the wrists and working your way down. Make sure not to forget between your fingers or the finger-nail beds. Also, scratch your fingernails on the palm of the other hand to get underneath the finger-nails. You want to lather for at least 15 seconds, which you can time by singing “Happy Birthday” to yourself. Then rinse, beginning at the wrists and working your way day, being sure not to touch the sink or hold your arms up so that water could drip down your arms. Leave the water running and grab paper towels to dry, again beginning at the wrist and working your way down. Use a new, clean paper towel to turn the running water off.

This virus is not killed properly by hand sanitizers or alcohol-based cleaners. Bleach is the best cleaner to use on clothing, bathrooms, handle bars, door handles, light switches, and dishes. If possible, sequester the person who has been infected, and use plastic ware for food. Carefully bleach everything, using double gloves. Invest in some masks, and even gowns. Do not eat or drink after someone who has this virus. 

However, if you do come down with the symptoms, the best thing you can do is stay hydrated by drinking lots of Gatorade and water. Continue eating a normal diet, as much as your stomach will allow, in order to maintain proper nutrition. I personally only felt like eating Popsicles! But doing so has made me very weak. Do stay away from spicy foods, as those tend to upset the stomach worse. Be careful with taking medications, antibiotics included – contact your physician for advice on this. Give yourself at least 24 hours of being symptom free before returning to work or out in the public. This will ensure that you are not exposing others to this horrible virus. 

These are the things I have learned so far from being so ill with this virus. I hope you remain healthy!