Originally Posted by
jboo
here's some info that I repost when people have questions:
I only trust the CDC(center for disease control) for truly accurate information- they are basically accepted as the global gold standard for infectious disease research. Norovirus reproduces in the intestines and agitates the lining causing v* and d*. The virus is found in both substances and this is why people are thought to be contagious only after the onset of symptoms. The method of transmission is particle ingestion meaning that the virus has to get into your mouth and be swallowed for you to become ill. Noro(the sv*) is so contagious because it takes a low number of viruses to cause an infection and the fact that viruses live on surfaces for about 2 weeks. People also continue to be contagious for a few days after their last symptom so they sometimes go out and unknowingly spread the virus. Example of transmission: someone is sick, they have d* and don't wash their hands afterwards. They then touch the the bathroom door knob, a hand rail, the elevator button etc..... someone else comes along and touches one of those surfaces then eats a bag of chips without washing their hands... They may catch the virus. Another way for the virus to spread is though food preparation by a contiguous person. According to research, a sv* is only "aiborne" if you are next to someone being violently ill and the particles in the air find their way into your mouth or nose and then down your digestive tract. They virus is only airborne very briefly after a v* episode. That said, If someone is ill, droplets might settle on objects in a small radius, so for example in a bathroom the toothbrush might be contaminated.
Handwashing is your best defense and I promise it's effective. That's what doctors do and personal experience has proven to me that it's enough, but it's important to note that most hand sanitizers are not effective against sv* 's. They can live in stomach acid so they are tough little things. If someone is ill in your home/work, bleach is the best way to kill the virus and clean properly. I would note that normal clorox wipes do not actually contain bleach.
In general, just wash before eating and don't mindlessly put your fingers in mouth and you will be ok. Nothing extreme, just basic common sense.