Norovirus Spreading with a Vengeance
Washing your hands is the best prevention against the norovirus.
It strikes quickly and with a vengeance, sidelining its victims with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and severe aches. It thrives in close quarters, such as cruise ships, nursing homes, day care centers, and college dorms. It’s the norovirus, and it’s coming to a stomach near you.
“It pops up a lot in close quarters because it’s easy to spread, which is why a college campus is at risk,” says David McBride, director of Student Health Services. “In fact, BU had an outbreak of the virus just last year.”
The misery-bearing norovirus is mostly spread by people who are not practicing proper hygiene, says McBride, such as washing their hands after going to the bathroom and before eating. “Wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before and after eating,” he says. “Also, wash fresh fruits and veggies before eating.”
If norovirus hits you, “be prepared to ride it out and drink lots of fluids,” McBride says. “If a roommate has the bug, make sure you clean the bathroom, especially toilet handles, spigots, and handles on sinks, with bleach-based cleaners.” And remember — if you have uncontrollable nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, be sure to visit your doctor.
Meghan Noé can be reached at mdorney@bu.edu.