Norovirus: what you need to know

In the fight against viruses, few methods are as simple yet effective as proper hand hygiene and surface disinfection. This is particularly true in the case of norovirus, a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. In this article, we'll explore the significance of hand washing and surface disinfection in preventing the spread of norovirus, and introduce a groundbreaking product that offers additional protection.

What is norovirus?

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that can cause gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This infection is often mistakenly referred to as the “stomach flu”, however, norovirus is not related to the flu, which is caused by the influenza virus.

Norovirus can affect anyone and is known for its rapid transmission, especially in crowded, high-traffic environments. It's resilient and can survive on surfaces for days, making contamination a constant risk. The symptoms are unpleasant and can lead to severe dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children.

Hand Washing: Your First Line of Defence

Regular hand washing with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of norovirus. It's especially important after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food. Thorough hand washing for at least 20 seconds is key to remove and eliminate the virus from skin.

The Importance of Surface Disinfection

In environments such as schools, it’s difficult to ensure correct hand hygiene practices are followed, particularly with younger children, so the risk of spreading norovirus increases. Norovirus can linger on surfaces long after an infected person has touched them and regular cleaning isn't always enough; disinfection is necessary to kill the virus. Using a disinfectant proven to be effective against norovirus on frequently touched surfaces like door handles, push plates, light switches, and food contact surfaces will drastically reduce the risk of contamination.

Our Norovirus-Tested Disinfectant Steritec Virucidal Cleaner is a fragrance-free surface disinfectant tested against, amongst other bacteria and viruses, norovirus. It's designed for use everywhere a high level of disinfection is required, ensuring that surfaces are not just clean, but also free from norovirus contaminants.

Conclusion

The combination of diligent hand washing and thorough surface disinfection as part of your hygiene routine will greatly reduce the spread of norovirus, other viruses and bacteria to ensure you create a safer environment for everyone. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and in the case of norovirus, these simple practices can make a significant difference.