Why does norovirus spread more in winter, or does it?

[brutt]

Does norovirus actually spread more in winter? if so why? Or do you think it's just the media hyping it up? I'm having mixed thoughts and getting ready for what apparently might be a big noro season.

[sage]

People spend more time indoors and thus are touching countertops, doorknobs, light switches, toilet flushers, etc. much more. This is the way it's spread and primarily by schoolchildren. When the kids are out of school they're not giving it to each other so they're not bringing it home. The second-most common way it's spread is by food workers in restaurants who don't wash their hands and touch your (uncooked) food. For this, it doesn't matter what season it is. In general it's slightly more prevalent in winter, but still around in summer.

[mooki]

So if this theory holds then there should be no "noro" season in places where it's fairly warm all year. I know that here in Southern California I rarely hear of anyone with noro in the summer. But it seems to go around bad in late September I notice and then usually another bump anywhere between November and February. I figure it's the kids going back to school in September that cause the first epidemic.

[DeadxxInside92]

I have mixed views on this. Like Sage has stated, norovirus never really disappears. I actually have found it to be more prevalent in the warmer months, around here anyway. However, that does not mean I do not hear cases of it in the winter months as well. Just practice basic preventative measures such as hand washing and avoiding touching your mouth/face. It's the most effective way to avoid it.