Norovirus on surfaces how long

For most healthy people, norovirus symptoms last 1 to 3 days. But for some, the virus can remain in the intestines for weeks or months and cause lingering inflammatory bowel problems , according to a report published in the journal Science.

However, some older adults, babies, or people with other health conditions can develop complications, such as severe dehydration , that require medical attention and can even lead to death. Norovirus is highly contagious. People with the infection shed billions of virus particles in their stool and vomit, yet, it only takes as few as 10 virus particles to cause an infection.

Some people might be contagious for as long as 2 weeks after they recover. To help lower your chances of transmitting the virus to others :. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , the norovirus can remain on objects and surfaces and be transmitted to other people for days or weeks.

The CDC recommends that you routinely sanitize and clean counters, utensils, and surfaces before preparing food. Use a chlorine bleach solution with a concentration of 1, to 5, ppm 5 to 25 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water. You can also use other disinfectants that are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency EPA as effective against norovirus. Kids who are dehydrated might cry with few or no tears, or be unusually sleepy or cranky.

Sometimes, healthcare providers will suggest an over-the-counter OTC anti-diarrheal medication. If you get the norovirus, you can expect to feel bad for about 1 to 3 days. With norovirus — the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in adults — you're contagious when you begin to feel ill. Symptoms usually appear within one to two days of exposure.

Although you typically feel better after a day or two, you're contagious for a few days after you recover. The virus can remain in your stool for up to two weeks or more after recovery. Children should stay home from school or child care for at least 48 hours after the last time they vomit or have diarrhea. The viruses that cause gastroenteritis are spread through close contact with infected people, such as by sharing food or eating utensils, and by touching contaminated surfaces and objects.

Eating contaminated food also can cause norovirus. Washing your hands often with soap and water is the most effective way to stop the spread of these viruses to others. If you can't wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which can reduce germs. To help keep others from getting sick, disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after someone vomits or has diarrhea. Wear disposable gloves, and use a bleach-based household cleanser or 2 cups 0.

Norovirus can survive for months on surfaces not adequately disinfected with bleach solution. Two oral rotavirus vaccines are available for young infants — RotaTeq and Rotarix. Vaccines for norovirus are in clinical trials. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. There is no vaccine against norovirus; it can survive freezing and temperatures up to F, and hand sanitizers have no effect on it. If you or someone in your home gets sick, do not prepare food for at least three days, and wipe hard surfaces with a bleach-based disinfectant.

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