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Can you tell a norovirus myth from reality? Misinformation abounds with so many myths on the subject in the common vernacular. With 2026 starting with a strong wave of norovirus illnesses across the country, now is a good time to visit the topic.
Often referred to as a stomach bug, stomach flu, or even cruise ship virus. There are a lot of myths surrounding norovirus.
But, have no fear! The Make Food Safe Blog is here to help dispel those myths and misinformation.
Are you ready?
Before we start with the myths, let’s talk about some statistics.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, around 2,500 norovirus outbreaks are reported to the organization most years.
That is a lot of illnesses. Between 19 and 21 million illnesses, that is. This accounts for around 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths each year. Mostly among adults over 65.
But older Americans are not the only ones at risk.
Reports indicate that norovirus is responsible for 2.27 million outpatient clinic visits and 465,000 emergency department visits, most occurring in young children.
In all, this accounts for $2 billion in lost productivity and health care expenses.
Norovirus isn’t just a simple stomach bug. It can cause serious illness.
Which brings us to our first norovirus myth to bust.
One of the most common norovirus myths is that norovirus is simply a stomach flu. Norovirus is a bit different from most foodborne illnesses because it is caused by a virus. As opposed to a bacterium. However, it is entirely different from the flu.
Influenza, or the flu virus, it its own entity. It has its own genetic makeup and impacts the body in slightly different ways. Influenza is also transmitted differently. Through the respiratory tract. Not the intestinal tract.
It is often confused with the flu virus because it has overlapping symptoms. However, someone with seasonal allergies to pollen has an entirely different condition than say, someone with a cold.
The symptoms may overlap, but the cause of those symptoms are completely different.
Up next. You can only get norovirus from food poisoning.
This one is a bit complicated. You see, norovirus is highly contagious. It doesn’t take much to get sick with norovirus. Health experts say you can become infected with as few as 10 viral particles.
For the record, you cannot see 10 viral particles. Not without specialized microscopes.
It is also easily spread. Those who are already infected pass it along from one person to another. But it doesn’t have to be directly.
Which brings me to the topic that nobody wants to think about.
How it is actually spread.
Unlike the flu or other respiratory viruses, norovirus is spread through the feces of an infected person. A method known as fecal-oral route.
Remember how I said it only takes a few viral particles to get sick? This means even trace amounts that you cannot see, smell, and (either fortunately or unfortunately), taste can get you sick.
This can be done by sharing food or eating utensils. But that isn’t the only way.
It can be spread through food from an infected food handler, or by touching surfaces touched by others and then touching something that goes into your mouth or your mouth itself.
Grandma knew a lot of things. She saw and experienced so much in her lifetime. Many of her old wives tales and home remedies often have some merit.
But sorry, Grandma. Not all of them work.
For example, the home remedies like drinking grape juice to prevent norovirus infection. Possibly some variation on the grapeseed extract cure. Regular consumption of activated charcoal, and even some that swear by a popular soda product with a red and silver can that rhymes with mocha fola. Or something like that.
Do any of these things work?
Certain remedies use herbs, oils, and tinctures known for their antiviral properties. But that can only go so far as a preventative measure. Only properly washing your hands can prevent norovirus infections.
Which conveniently moves us along to our fourth norovirus myth.
This one may surprise you. But hand sanitizer is not effective at killing norovirus. Even the strong alcohol types. This is because norovirus is different from bacteria. It has no cell wall and it breaks down differently.
When soap and water aren’t an option, even health experts recommend using a 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer in the interim and to wash your hands as soon as you are able to.
You are still rolling the dice if norovirus germs are present.
The best way to protect yourself from norovirus is to wash you hands with running water and soap, rubbing them together for 30 seconds. For reference, singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice usually does the trick.
Norovirus symptoms often begin around 12 to 24 hours after exposure. Intestinal and flu-like symptoms are fairly common.
Symptoms of norovirus infection may include:
Most people begin feeling better in around one to three days. However, be careful! You are most likely to transmit your illness to others while you are feeling sick and the first few days after you feel better.
Vomiting and diarrhea multiple times a day can lead to dehydration – a dangerous complication.
Especially in young children, older adults, and those with other existing illnesses.
Dehydration symptoms may include:
Contact your healthcare provider if you or someone you are caring for becomes severely dehydrated.
There is no medical treatment protocol for norovirus. Antibiotics are not effective against this type of infection, so your best course of action is to hydrate and rest until symptoms subside.
If you have been recently diagnosed with norovirus infection or symptoms consistent with norovirus infection and you don’t know where you got it, you may be part of a larger outbreak. Get medical help right away and be sure you are tested for this harmful bacterial infection.
You can also reach out to your local health department. The more information investigators have about what sick people ate in the weeks prior to becoming sick the better grasp they will have on what is causing it.
If you have been seriously impacted by your norovirus illness, you may have a legal case.
Reach out to an experienced norovirus lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has recovered millions of dollars in food contamination and product liability suits to help cover medical expenses, missed work, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness.
Get legal advice today!
Call (833) 330-3663 or submit your information on the online submission form for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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