2)    CLEAN AND DISINFECT: If you are ill, take a break from normal household chores and leave the cleaning to someone else. If you are caring for a patient, be sure to disinfect and thoroughly clean any surfaces that may have been stained by diarrhea or vomiting. Bleach is the recommended cleaner for any surface, as well as food preparation areas. Make sure you carefully dispose of the cleaning towels or any other goods that come into contact with the infected areas.

3)    FOOD MUST BE WATCHED: You should always thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before you prepare them for your family, particularly if the produce came from a foreign country (it’s best to wear gloves when doing this). Also be careful when cooking shellfish. When it doubt, throw it out. It may appear wasteful, but it’s better to be safe than contaminated.

4)    ISOLATE ILL PATIENTS: On cruise ships, those infected with the norovirus are usually confined to their cabins, and so it must be at your home. Make sure those afflicted are in their beds getting plenty of rest and are thoroughly hydrated. Having them watch television with the family may be a nice gesture, but it can help spread the contamination. People who contract the norovirus are contagious

from the moment they fall ill until a few days after recovery. Some cases may linger, and people can spread the infection even if they’re up and about.

5)    LAUNDER CAREFULLY: Thoroughly clean linens and clothing that may have been in contact with an infected person. When removing them for cleaning, wear gloves and try not to shake any material that has been touched by vomit or diarrhea. After you have them in the washing machine, use the maximum wash timer and then maximum drying time. Wash your hands thoroughly, even if you were wearing gloves during the actions, and by all means, carefully dispose of any gloves that have come in contact with vomit or diarrhea.

Keep in mind that November through April are the high season for the norovirus, which is not to be confused with its kissing cousin, the influenza virus, a respiratory illness. If you follow the proper precautions, you likely can avoid many of the most common causes of outbreaks.