Best Ways to Avoid the Stomach Bug
Norovirus, typically called the stomach bug, is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It is the leading cause of these symptoms in the United States. If you have kids, you know. It spreads fairly easy throughout schools, workplaces, and eventually into households. While the symptoms typically last only a few days, it can still be a miserable experience.
Dr. Aaron Workman of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated car accident medical care facilities in Kentucky, is also a dad and explains some good ways to avoid catching or spreading this virus?
1. Wash Your Hands
One of the most important ways to avoid getting a norovirus is by washing your hands thoroughly. It is also important to focus on the appropriate times to wash your hands. It is spread through direct contact with an infected person, contaminated surfaces, or food. Washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best way to remove germs from your hands. This should be done before eating, making food, drinking, and even putting in your contacts. You should do this after using the bathroom, cleaning around someone sick, or doing laundry that may have come in contact with the virus.
2. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
This virus can survive on surfaces for days, making it important to keep your surroundings clean, especially if someone in your home is ill. Simply wiping down surfaces may not be enough. You need to use a disinfectant that is proven to kill the norovirus. A chlorine bleach solution with at least 5.25% bleach will work. When cleaning, try to wear disposable gloves and use paper towels or disposable wipes. They even make wipes that are disinfectant you can use. When you are finished, throw the gloves away and wash your hands.
3. Food Safety
Norovirus can be transmitted through contaminated food. Always wash your hands before making meals and be sure to wash those fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. If someone in your house has recently been sick, then someone else may need to make the food until they are better. You may spread the virus without knowing, as it can be present in the body after symptoms are gone for up to 48 hours.
4. Avoid Contact with Those Infected
The virus is highly contagious so if someone is sick then avoiding them will help decrease your chance of becoming infected. If someone in your house gets sick, make sure they stay isolated in a particular area, so they do not spread their virus throughout the entire house. Wear gloves when cleaning up after them or when handling laundry and trash and disinfect all their contact surfaces frequently.
Preventing a stomach bug requires a combo of good hygiene, proper cleaning, and smart food handling. By washing your hands properly, at the right time, using the right disinfectants, and avoiding contact with those that are sick, you can significantly reduce your chances of contracting a stomach bug and being miserable for several days. Stay focused during the holiday seasons and remember that a little prevention goes a long way in keeping norovirus at bay.
— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.
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