Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes stomach inflammation, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It spreads easily through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and close contact with infected individuals. To protect yourself from norovirus, it's essential to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food. Following the preventive measures in this article can reduce your risk of contracting norovirus and its associated symptoms.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of norovirus, it is important to seek medical care. At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, our walk-in clinic is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm to provide rapid same-day care for norovirus symptoms! We’re conveniently located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood - simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you.
Why is Norovirus so Contagious?
Norovirus is highly contagious because it requires only a small number of viral particles to infect a person, making it easy to spread. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food or water, and touching contaminated surfaces. Its ability to survive on surfaces for days and its resistance to many common disinfectants contribute to its widespread transmission. Norovirus tends to spread quickly in office and school settings due to the close contact with others. Symptoms often appear 24 to 48 hours after exposure, allowing an infected person to spread the virus unknowingly before their symptoms begin.
What Cleaning Agents Should I Use to Prevent Norovirus?
To prevent the spread of norovirus, it's essential to use effective cleaning agents that kill the virus on surfaces. Bleach is recommended for disinfecting against norovirus because it is one of the few cleaning agents that can effectively kill the virus. Norovirus has a tough outer shell that protects it from many common disinfectants, but bleach's strong, chlorine-based properties can break down this shell. This will also deactivate the virus, making it highly effective in killing it on surfaces. For thorough cleaning, bleach solutions (with the proper concentration) should be used on frequently touched areas to prevent the virus from spreading. 3% hydrogen peroxide and alcohol based disinfectants with at least 70% concentration can also be used to kill norovirus.
Walk Into AFC Back Bay for Same-Day Illness Care in Boston, MA
If you suspect you have contracted norovirus and are experiencing severe symptoms or an inability to keep fluids down, AFC Urgent Care Back Bay can help. Dehydration, which can occur quickly due to the loss of fluids from vomiting and diarrhea, can be especially dangerous. This is particularly true for young children, older people, and individuals with weakened immune systems. At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, our clinic is equipped to provide supportive care for norovirus symptoms. Our clinic is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm and we accept most medical insurance plans. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day care!
