Stay Safe From Norovirus: Insider’s Guide To Avoiding Contamination in WA

Feeling queasy? You are not alone. A recent outbreak of Norovirus has been making the rounds.

I recently visited with family who had traveled from Tennessee and they all had some stomach bug while traveling, After seeing the symptoms I'm pretty sure that is what they were experiencing.

Luckily I wasn't infected but a few others were after their visit.

Take precautions and be prepared to protect yourself from sickness,

 Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug.

Norovirus causes vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever. It spreads easily through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Even close contact with an infected person can transmit the virus.

Symptoms typically appear within 12-48 hours of exposure and usually last 1-3 days.

Here's what you can do:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration.
• Rest: Get plenty of rest to allow your body to recover.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, ¹ and before eating or preparing food.  
• Disinfect surfaces: Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces with bleach-based cleaners.
• Avoid contact with others: Stay home from work, school, or social gatherings until 48 hours after your symptoms have subsided.

If you experience severe dehydration, such as dizziness, little or no urination, or a dry mouth, seek medical attention immediately.

Norovirus is unpleasant, but most people recover fully. Remember to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus."

For more information on norovirus, consult your healthcare provider or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Or Medicalhealthauthority.com