Norovirus outbreak alert. (infect, symptom, recover, stomach)

[D. Scott]

There is a strain of Norovirus going around that is mistakenly referred to as "stomach flu" but is unrelated and causes up to 3 days of absolute misery. Upon further reading I discovered the hand Sanitizer many of us carry is ineffective. Only hot water, soap or bleach solution is effective. As if the hard hitting flu season was not enough. It is contracted from surfaces and also exposure to vomit and takes only a few particles to infect. I was wondering if Clorox wipes can be used on hands given the fact we may not be able to wash our hands at certain times.

I hate feeling like Howard Hughes like I do right now. It's just these things goin around that seem to be more prominent lately. Stay safe everyone!

[rlrl]

this is a concern of mine too but isn't this pretty routine around this time of year? not to discount what you post just asking the question

[matzoman]

Watch what you touch. Wash hands when you get home. Clean phone receivers at work. Careful of those subway and bus poles. If someone is sneezing and coughing near you on the train, turn your head.

[purehuman]

I think if you just wash with soap and water before you handle or eat food you'll probably be ok..it's going around like crazy here too..I think Clorox wipes would do the job, but I ain't no expert, even though I seldom get sick...Personally ,I just won't eat if I can't wash my hands first, and I always prepare my own food, which is probably why I"m never sick.

[D. Scott]

Originally Posted by rlrl

this is a concern of mine too but isn't this pretty routine around this time of year? not to discount what you post just asking the question

This is a potent strain and Norovirus is not as common as the seasonal flu which too was worse this year. The flu has been abating as it struck hard, early and there are less hosts as people get sick and recover or are vaccinated. Norovirus is more potent and hardly and survives on surfaces longer and resistant to alcohol based Sanitizer.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Just saw Diane Sawyer telling us only bleach kills the Sydney strain of norovirus that is endemic now.

[rlrl]

does the noro hit most people when they wake up/when sleeping or can it just hit at any time?

[southernnaturelover]

What about pouring pure ethyl alcohol (from the drug store) into a small spray bottle? Wouldn't that kill norovirus?

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by rlrl

does the noro hit most people when they wake up/when sleeping or can it just hit at any time?

I'm sure it can hit anytime, and the first symptom is nausea. Once you feel that, you better get home quick!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Originally Posted by southernnaturelover

What about pouring pure ethyl alcohol (from the drug store) into a small spray bottle? Wouldn't that kill norovirus?

Not according to ABC News. Only bleach.