What you need to know about Norovirus

person sick sitting on edge of bed

Norovirus, also known as the "stomach flu," is a common and highly contagious virus that causes stomach and intestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It spreads easily in workplaces, schools, and other crowded areas, making it important for all of us to know how to protect ourselves and others.

What is Norovirus?

Symptoms you might experience:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Sometimes fever, chills, or body aches
• Symptoms usually start 12–48 hours after exposure and last 1–3 days.

How it spreads:

• Eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
• Touching surfaces that have the virus on them.
• Close contact with someone who is infected.

Why Norovirus matters in the workplace

Health risks:

• Norovirus can cause dehydration, especially if you’re losing a lot of fluids through vomiting or diarrhea. Watch for signs like dry mouth, dizziness, or reduced urination.

Impact at work:

• If one person brings norovirus into the workplace, it can spread quickly, leading to more sick days and disruptions.

Highly contagious:

• Even a small amount of the virus can infect others, so early prevention is key.

How to protect yourself

1. Wash your hands:
   • Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom or before eating. Hand sanitizers are less effective against norovirus, so always prioritize washing.
2. Handle food safely:
   • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
   • Don’t prepare food for others if you’re feeling sick or have been sick in the past two days.
3. Clean and disinfect surfaces:
   • Use disinfectants or bleach-based cleaners to wipe down work surfaces, especially in shared areas like kitchens or breakrooms.
4. Stay home when you’re sick:
   • If you’re feeling unwell, it’s better to stay home until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped to avoid spreading the virus to coworkers.
5. Avoid contaminated food or water:
   • Drink clean, treated water and ensure your meals come from safe sources.

What to do if you get sick

• Stay hydrated:
  • Drink plenty of water or clear fluids to replace what’s lost. Oral rehydration solutions can help prevent dehydration.
• Rest and recover:
  • Take the time to rest so your body can heal.
• Know when to seek help:
  • Contact a doctor if symptoms are severe, last longer than a few days, or if you feel signs of dehydration like dizziness or dry mouth.

By staying informed and taking simple precautions like washing hands, cleaning surfaces, and staying home when sick, we can protect ourselves and each other from norovirus. Together, we can create a safer, healthier work environment for everyone.

Resources:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/food-poisoning/norovirus.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html