Norovirus, often referred to as the “winter vomiting disease” or the “two-bucket disease” due to its severe symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, is a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness, the Washington Post reports.
Its resilience to many cleaning agents, including alcohol-based sanitizers, makes it particularly challenging to control. To combat this stubborn virus effectively, enhanced cleaning precautions are essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to keeping your home safe before, during, and after a norovirus outbreak.
Step 1: Prioritize Hand Hygiene
Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently is the most effective way to protect yourself from norovirus. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Use clean, running water (any temperature) to wet your hands.
- Apply soap and lather well, covering all surfaces, including under fingernails and between fingers, for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse and dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer.
Avoid relying on hand sanitizer; the CDC notes it is not as effective against norovirus.
Step 2: Use Appropriate Cleaning Products
Cleaning and disinfecting are distinct but equally important tasks:
- Cleaning removes visible dirt and grime.
- Disinfecting kills viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.
When selecting a disinfectant, ensure it is specifically labeled as effective against norovirus. Use the EPA’s online tool, List G, to verify product efficacy. For soft surfaces like mattresses and carpets, steam cleaning at appropriate temperatures (170°F for five minutes or 212°F for one minute) can be an effective alternative.
Step 3: Proper Disinfecting Techniques
Using disinfectants correctly is crucial:
- Pre-clean surfaces to remove debris that could block the disinfectant’s effectiveness.
- Allow sufficient contact time: Disinfectants must remain wet on surfaces for the duration specified on the label to work effectively.
Step 4: Manage Laundry Safely
If someone in your household is sick with norovirus, follow these enhanced laundry precautions:
- Wear gloves when handling contaminated laundry, and wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves.
- Wash soiled items separately, using the hottest water and longest cycle tolerable for the fabrics.
- Add a laundry sanitizer to your wash routine.
- Disinfect hampers after use.
Avoid shaking dirty laundry to prevent spreading virus particles.
Step 5: Clean Up Messes Safely
Cleaning vomit or feces requires immediate action:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Use paper towels or cardboard to scoop up solids, and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag.
- Disinfect the area thoroughly using a product effective against norovirus or steam cleaning where appropriate.
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water after cleaning.
Step 6: Post-Norovirus Cleaning
Once the virus has run its course, perform another round of cleaning and disinfecting to prevent reinfection:
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, faucets, and remote controls.
- Deep-clean the bathroom and kitchen, including dishware and appliances.
- Sanitize children’s toys and non-washable soft surfaces.
- Take out all trash promptly.
High-touch surfaces and frequently used items are hotspots for germs. Items like cellphones, glasses, handbags, and steering wheels often require extra attention. Consistent cleaning, disinfecting, and laundry practices will minimize the risk of reinfection and ensure a healthier home environment.
By following these enhanced precautions, you can significantly reduce the spread of norovirus and protect your household from this unpleasant illness.
