January 7, 2025

Staying Healthy: What You Should Know About Norovirus

Recently, Norovirus cases have gone up a lot. Here’s some important information, shared from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to help you and your family stay safe.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious germ that can make you sick. It spreads through:

  • Eating or drinking contaminated food or water
  • Touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your hands in your mouth
  • Close contact with someone who is sick, like caring for them or sharing food

Norovirus can cause:

  • Diarrhea
  • Throwing up
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Stomach pain

Some people may also have a fever, headaches, or body aches. These symptoms usually start 12 to 48 hours after contact and last 1 to 3 days. Dehydration, especially in young children and older adults, can sometimes be a problem if you lose too much water from vomiting or diarrhea.

Learn more at the CDC’s Norovirus page.

How to Stay Safe from Norovirus

There are steps you can take to protect yourself and others:

  • Wash your hands often: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and before preparing food. Hand sanitizer is less effective against Norovirus.
  • Handle food safely: Wash fruits and vegetables before eating, and cook shellfish like oysters thoroughly.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces: If someone gets sick, clean up immediately using a bleach-based cleaner. Be sure to wash laundry that may be soiled with vomit or stool right away using hot water and detergent.
  • Stay home when sick: If you or your child are sick, avoid going to work, school, or public places until at least two days after symptoms stop to prevent spreading Norovirus to others.

More prevention tips are available at the CDC’s Prevention page.

We’re Here to Help

If you’re not feeling well, visit our Patient Walk-In Center – no appointment needed:

  • Monday-Thursday: 8 AM – 7 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM

Need help or more info?

  • Use MyChart: Message your Care Team.
  • Call Us: 978.937.9700
  • Visit Online: lchealth.org.

Let’s work together to protect our health and community this winter.

Information in this post is based on materials provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For more details, visit cdc.gov.