Two types of viruses are spreading quickly and people should take preventative measures to avoid sickness.
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can get norovirus from:
- Having direct contact with an infected person.
- Consuming contaminated food or water.
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth.
The multistate norovirus outbreak has been linked to raw oysters from Texas. Click here for details.
You can help protect yourself and others from norovirus by practicing proper hand hygiene, the CDC says.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water:
- After using the toilet or changing diapers.
- Before eating, preparing, or handling food.
- Before giving yourself or someone else medicine.
- Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus.
Adenoviruses are common viruses that typically cause mild cold- or flu-like illness.
Adenoviruses can cause illness in people of all ages any time of year.
Adenoviruses can cause illness in people of all ages any time of year.
Adenoviruses are usually spread from an infected person to
others through:
others through:
- close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
- the air by coughing and sneezing.
- touching an object or surface with adenoviruses on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.
- contact with stool, for example, during diaper changing.
Adenoviruses are often resistant to common disinfectants and can remain
infectious for long periods of time on surfaces and objects.
infectious for long periods of time on surfaces and objects.
You can protect yourself and others from adenoviruses and other respiratory illnesses by following a few simple steps:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (see CDC’s Clean Hands Save Lives! ).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If you’re sick you can help protect others:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands.
- Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with others.
- Refrain from kissing others.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom.
Anyone exhibiting symptoms from norovirus and adenoviruses should contact their primary care physician.
Learn more about outbreaks here.