This is an actual article from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) about the most common stomach virus, the Norovirus. I did some research about hand sanitizer on the web, and on the CDC website. It never says that it kills the virus, just that using hand sanitizer helps prevent you from getting the virus. It also says that you should not replace hand sanitizers for washing hands, rather hand sanitizers are a supplement to hand washing. CDC says that you should use hand santizers in addition to hand washing, and use the sanitizer when you can not wash your hands. I also read that alcohol that is used in our hand sanitizers, has been used as a disinfectant since the 1800's in hospital. Alcohol kills not only viruses, but most importantly bacteria. Bacteria is more serious, than viruses. I know that we are all scared about catching the dreaded stomach virus, but if we all take the proper steps, there is a slim to none chance that we will not catch it! - Michele
January 29, 2004 Page 1 of 2
FACT SHEET
Facts About Noroviruses
Noroviruses
Noroviruses are a group of viruses (previously known as Norwalk-like viruses) that can affect the stomach and intestines. These viruses can cause people to have gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and the large intestines. Gastroenteritis is sometimes called a calicivirus infection or food poisoning, even though it may not always be related to food.
Norovirus is sometimes called the "stomach flu," although it is not related to the flu (a common respiratory illness cause by the influenza virus).
Symptoms caused by noroviruses
  1. <LI>• Common symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping </LI>




    <LI>• Less common symptoms: low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and tiredness </LI>


This illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. Normally the illness lasts about 1 to 2 days. Children often vomit more than adults.
Where noroviruses are found
Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people and on infected surfaces that have been touched by ill people. Outbreaks occur more often where there are more people in a small area, such as nursing homes, restaurants, catered events, and cruise ships.
Reasons why noroviruses are associated with cruise ships
  1. <LI>• Health officials track illness on cruise ships. Therefore, outbreaks are found and reported more quickly on a cruise ship than on land. </LI>




    <LI>• Close living quarters may increase the amount of group contact. </LI>




    <LI>• New passenger arrivals may bring the virus to other passengers and crew. </LI>


How noroviruses are spread
People can become infected with the virus by:
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<LI>• Eating food or drinking liquids infected with noroviruses </LI>




<LI>• Touching surfaces or objects infected with noroviruses and then touching own mouth, nose, or eyes </LI>




<LI>• Having person-to-person contact (with a norovirus-infected person) by </LI>



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<LI>o being present while someone is vomiting </LI>




<LI>o sharing food or eating from the same utensils </LI>