TOLEDO, Ohio — The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department wants to remind people that norovirus is common this time of year and there are ways to prevent the spread of it.
Symptoms of norovirus include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, body aches and sometimes a mild fever. TLCHD said that people typically become ill 24-48 hours after becoming exposed to the virus, with symptoms usually lasting one to two days. But people can spread the virus for up to two weeks after their symptoms go away.
According to the health department, norovirus is present in the stool and vomit of infected people. It is primarily spread through contact with those infected or through food that's been contaminated by someone who is currently ill or recently ill and didn't wash their hands appropriately.
TLCHD said that while it's commonly referred to as the "stomach flu," it is not the same as influenza. They said that while the flu can be prevented with a vaccine, there is no vaccine for norovirus.
The health department shared these tips on preventing the spread of noroviruses:
- Wash your hands after going to the bathroom
- Wash your hands before handling food, beverages and ice
- Wash your hands before eating
- Excuse yourself from food preparation duties if you have diarrhea and/or vomiting
- Discard foods that were handled or prepared by someone with diarrhea and/or vomiting
- Promptly clean and disinfect any surfaces that become soiled with vomit or stool
- Stay home if you are ill
- Keep sick infants and children out of areas where food is being handled and prepared
- Do not prepare food for others or provide healthcare while you are sick and for at least two days after symptoms stop
- No one in a high-risk position should work until 48 hours after symptoms subside (this includes food handlers)
- Avoid swimming in a public pool for two weeks following any diarrheal illness
