Prevent infection with dangerous norovirus Hygiene is the key

High season for diarrhea: Prevent infection with Novorvirus
Especially when it's cold, Noroviruses have high season. In order to protect against infection with the diarrhea, care must be taken to ensure proper hygiene and to keep the distance from those infected. The patients should be considered.

The most effective protection against the pathogens
In the cold months of January to March Noroviruses have high season. The pathogens are often the trigger of sudden gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The most important hygiene rule here is frequent and careful hand washing. It is the most effective protection against the pathogens, the German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) in a recent communication.

Norovirus infections cause severe gastrointestinal problems, but with thorough hygiene can be well avoided. (Image: fotoliaxrender / fotolia.com)

Staying home after the symptoms fade away
Patients should stay home for at least two days after the symptoms resolve. "If patients get in contact with other people too early, there is otherwise a risk that the noroviruses will continue to spread," explained Professor Dr. med. med. Andreas Stallmach, Director of the Department of Internal Medicine IV at the University Hospital Jena. Patients should pay particular attention to hygiene after the illness because the body excretes the virus for one to two weeks.

Patients have to drink a lot
Because the disease deprives the body of water and electrolytes due to diarrhea and vomiting, patients should drink a lot. The most suitable are diluted juices, broth or sweetened tea. "Children under the age of five and older people over the age of 70 are not only more likely to get sick more often, but often harder than other age groups," says Stallmach. When patients go to the doctor or to a hospital, it is important to let them know in advance so that other patients can be protected from infection. "For critically ill patients in clinics, Norovirus infection can be life-threatening. Therefore, sufferers must be isolated as much as possible, "explained the expert.

Keep distance from sick people
Since noroviruses are highly contagious, relatives should keep their distance from those affected as much as possible. "The most important thing is to keep away from sick people and to use separate toilets," said Stallmach. "Nurses and relatives should use disposable gloves when washing clothes and towels or when cleaning the bathroom," the expert continues. But even very thorough cleaning does not provide 100% protection: according to the DGVS, noroviruses are persistent and withstand temperatures between minus 20 and plus 60 degrees. In addition, they are insensitive to many disinfections. Especially pleasing is a discovery made by German and Australian scientists. In the journal "Virology" they reported that lemon juice works well against noroviruses. Accordingly, citric acid can significantly reduce the infectivity of the pathogens. (Ad)