Getting norovirus cannot always be avoided, but good hygiene can help limit the spread of the virus.Tips to help stop the virus spreading:
- Wash your hands and your child’s hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food.
- Do not share towels and flannels.
- Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated with the virus. It is best to use a bleach-based household cleaner.
- Wash any clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated with the virus. Wash the items separately and on a hot wash to ensure that the virus is killed.
- Keep the toilet bowl and the surrounding areas clean.
- Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce and only eat oysters from a reliable source. Oysters have been known to carry the norovirus.
If you or your child has norovirus, avoid direct contact with other people until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have gone. You may still be contagious, even though you no longer have sickness or diarrhoea.Avoid visiting hospitals if you have had the typical symptoms in the past 48 hours. Norovirus is more serious and even more easily spread among people who are already ill.
You may be asked to rearrange a medical appointment if you have had recent symptoms.
For more information, visit the HSE website.
