How To Protect Yourself From Norovirus This Winter

According to the CDC, norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States. “Each year, there are about 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks in the United States. Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year but are most common from November to April.”

With cold weather settling in across much of the country, it’s more important than ever to understand how to protect yourself.

Norovirus is extremely contagious and spreads quickly. According to Dr. Craig Wilen, associate professor of laboratory medicine and immunology at the Yale School of Medicine, who told TODAY.com, “Specifically, it spreads through viral particles contained in feces and vomit. This route is what’s known as ‘fecal-oral transmission.’”

Wilen explained that these particles can spread through direct human contact or through fomites, “which are basically any contaminated object where the virus can get on,” said Wilen.