In the past year, norovirus wreaked havoc on some cherished local restaurants, affecting numerous individuals in our community. Commonly referred to as the stomach flu or bug, norovirus is an intestinal virus that can lead to acute gastroenteritis. Highly contagious, it spreads through person-to-person contact, contaminated food and water, and tainted surfaces. With its prevalence during the winter, and considering the likelihood of historical recurrences, it is crucial to be informed on maintaining cleanliness and health.
AFC Urgent Care North Worcester is committed to assisting you in preparing for a norovirus outbreak by offering prevention and treatment guidance.
Wash, Rinse, and Repeat to Prevent Norovirus
A fundamental step is regular hand washing throughout the day. Simple yet effective, it can safeguard you after touching potentially contaminated surfaces. Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water is essential, especially in areas with large populations, such as schools, restaurants, hospitals, elder-care facilities, and daycare centers. Collaborate with your child's teachers to ensure good hygiene practices inside and outside the classroom, minimizing the risk of norovirus exposure.
Prevent Norovirus by Monitoring Your Diet
Food establishments can be breeding grounds for norovirus, and vigilance in monitoring food safety practices is crucial. If you observe an employee handling your food without gloves at a restaurant, it's a clear sign of unsafe food practices – avoid eating there. Safe food handling involves washing hands thoroughly before handling foods, using disposable gloves, cooking at correct temperatures, and properly cleaning/washing fruits and vegetables.
For employees, if you're unwell with norovirus, it's advisable to stay home and refrain from returning to work until at least 3 days after symptoms have subsided.
Norovirus Dehydrates. Stay Hydrated!
Maintaining hydration is vital if you start experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, low-grade fever/chills, or muscle aches.Repeated diarrhea or vomiting can lead to significant water loss and dehydration. Rehydrate and maintain hydration through frequent sips of water or rehydration drinks like Pedialyte. Avoid sodas, alcohol, and sugary juices, as they lack sufficient electrolytes.
AFC Urgent Care North Worcester : Your trusted Aid for Norovirus recovery
At AFC Urgent Care North Worcester, we're ready to help you recover from Norovirus and get back to your routine. We're open seven days a week, welcoming both walk-ins and appointments. Managing your bill with us is easy and stress-free, thanks to our user-friendly online payment system. Plus, we accept most insurances!
