Transmission through rubbing your eyes?

[rymc730]

Is it possible to catch the sv* through rubbing your eyes?

[centipede]

When the virus is "in the air" it's transmitted via "droplets". In order to become infected, these droplets still must enter the GI tract via the mouth.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/...-factsheet.htm

Noroviruses are transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route, either by consumption of fecally contaminated food or water or by direct person-to-person spread. Environmental and fomite contamination may also act as a source of infection. Good evidence exists for transmission due to aerosolization of vomitus that presumably results in droplets contaminating surfaces or entering the oral mucosa and being swallowed. No evidence suggests that infection occurs through the respiratory system.

Noroviruses are highly contagious and as few as 10 viral particles may be sufficient to infect an individual. During outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis, several modes of transmission have been documented; for example, initial foodborne transmission in a restaurant, followed by secondary person-to-person transmission to household contacts. Although presymptomatic viral shedding may occur, shedding usually begins with onset of symptoms and may continue for 2 weeks after recovery. It is unclear to what extent viral shedding over 72 hours after recovery signifies continued infectivity.

[sage]

Centipede, you're quoting from the CDC website, which is accurate information. However the discussion on this thread is whether contaminating the eyes will get something INTO your GI tract.

I'm asking Alvin [the microbiologist] and I'll get back to you all. No need in me just speculating...

[sage]

Okay so Alvin laughed his head off at the question!
He said the eyes are NOT connected to the GI tract. RHINOVIRUS (the common cold) can be transmitted through the eyes, as they lead to the sinus. But since Norovirus is a GI tract-type virus, the "passage" to the sinus/nose/throat/stomach/bowel would not "recognize" a norovirus as "belonging" and your immune system would kill it off immediately.

So....good news. You can't catch noroviruses by touching your eyes.

He said just don't pick your nose or teeth before you wash your hands - lol.

[COLOR=RED]Note - I messed up the sticky post edit, so I'll make this a sticky until John or hippychick fixes it for me!</font>Edited by: sage

[rymc730]

Thank you Sage!!

[moodyspasmodic]

WOW! this makes me feel so much better. i'm going back to rubbing my
eyes all the time...woohoo wrinkles and dark circles!!!!!!