Norovirus , often called the "stomach flu," is highly contagious and can quickly turn a household upside down. But don't panic...
Norovirus, often called the "stomach flu," is highly contagious and can quickly turn a household upside down. But don't panic! With proper cleaning and disinfection, you can minimize the spread of this unpleasant bug.
Here's how to tackle the aftermath of vomiting or diarrhea:
1. Gear Up for Safety
Gloves: Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands.
Mask: Consider a mask to prevent inhaling any airborne particles.
Ventilation: Open windows or use fans to improve air circulation.
2. Contain the Mess
Absorb: Use paper towels, disposable cloths, or even kitty litter to soak up liquids.
Scrape: Carefully scrape up solids with a disposable utensil (like a plastic spoon) or cardboard.
Dispose: Place all contaminated materials (gloves, towels, etc.) in a plastic bag and seal tightly.
3. Deep Clean the Area
4. Don't Forget High-Touch Surfaces
Sanitize: Wipe down frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and toilet handles.
Laundry: Wash any contaminated clothing or linens in hot water with detergent.
5. Hand Hygiene is Key
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after cleaning and before eating or drinking.
Important Note
1. Gear Up for Safety
Gloves: Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands.
Mask: Consider a mask to prevent inhaling any airborne particles.
Ventilation: Open windows or use fans to improve air circulation.
2. Contain the Mess
Absorb: Use paper towels, disposable cloths, or even kitty litter to soak up liquids.
Scrape: Carefully scrape up solids with a disposable utensil (like a plastic spoon) or cardboard.
Dispose: Place all contaminated materials (gloves, towels, etc.) in a plastic bag and seal tightly.
3. Deep Clean the Area
- Thoroughly wash the affected area with hot water and detergent.
- Use a bleach solution (1/4 or 3/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water) or disinfectant containing hydrogen peroxide .
- Allow the disinfectant to sit for at least 5 minutes before wiping clean.
- If necessary, repeat the washing and disinfecting process.
Notes
- Norovirus can survive on surfaces for a long period and many common household cleaners and even hand sanitizers do not kill it. For example, Lysol that says it is 99.9% effective killing viruses, it does not eliminate the norovirus. That's because this virus has a tough protein protective coat that makes it harder for cleaners to penetrate.
- This virus can also survive temperatures up to 145 ℉.
- For disinfecting carpet is recommended steam cleaning for 5 minutes at 175 ℉.
- For laundry use hot water on the longer cycle and dry at the highest heat.
4. Don't Forget High-Touch Surfaces
Sanitize: Wipe down frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and toilet handles.
Laundry: Wash any contaminated clothing or linens in hot water with detergent.
5. Hand Hygiene is Key
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after cleaning and before eating or drinking.
Important Note
Norovirus is highly contagious.
Keep the infected person away from others as much as possible.
Encourage the sick person to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Keep the infected person away from others as much as possible.
Encourage the sick person to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
By following these steps, you can help minimize the spread of norovirus and get your household back to normal as quickly as possible.
