How noroviruses are spread

People can become infected with the virus by:

• Eating food or drinking liquids infected with noroviruses.
• Touching surfaces or objects infected with noroviruses and then touching own mouth, nose, or eyes having person-to-person contact (with a norovirus-infected person) by:
  • being present while someone is vomiting
  • sharing food or eating from the same utensils
  • caring for a sick person
  • shaking hands
• Not washing hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.

Norovirus infections are not usually serious

Noroviruses are highly contagious, but infections are not usually serious. People may feel very sick and vomit often or get diarrhea, becoming dehydrated if lost liquids are not replaced. Most people recover within one or two days and have no long-term adverse health effects.

What to do if you get norovirus

Advise the medical staff of your illness. Drink plenty of fluids. Wash hands often.

How to prevent getting and spreading noroviruses

• Wash hands often. Wash hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before eating or preparing food. Wash hands more often when someone in your home is sick. For hand washing tips click the following link: www.cdc.gov
• Avoid shaking hands during outbreaks.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer along with handwashing.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov

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