• CDC Information on Noro Virus

     

    January 2018

     

    The Noro-virus is responsible for the winter stomach bug/virus that is causing illness, vomit-diarrhea. Other viruses cause Flu and Colds, etc.

     

    Here are some helpful PREVENTION TIPS:

    • Clean and disinfect surfaces
    • Pay special attention to commonly touched surfaces
    • Crack windows for air circulation
    • Germs can be airborne or lie on surfaces
    • Some germs like the Noro-virus can live several days on surfaces (germ that causes Stomach Virus)...Objects and Surfaces that are contaminated can transmit the germ and make you sick.
    • Noro-virus is contagious when the symptoms start and even 2-3 days after they stop
    • Hand washing with Soap is essential in fighting viruses, do this frequently and especially before eating or touching food, after bathroom, after touching garbage or pails, after accidentally touching the T Zone, after nosebleed, after touching pets, after touching anything dirty !!!!
    • Purell products help but are no replacement for scrubbing hands with soap for 20 seconds
    • Cover sneezes and coughs in tissue or elbow of arm and turn away from others
    • Keeping fingers out of mouth - nose - and  eyes is highly significant in preventing illness...Don't Touch The T Zone !!!!!   Germs enter the body through the T Zone !!!!
    • REMIND students and your children to keep fingers out of mouth, nose, eyes
    • Stay home if you are sick or full of congestion and coughs
    • The start of a cold is probably the most contagious time
    • Sleep and extra vitamins C, D, and mineral Zinc do help reduce cold symptoms
    • It is possible to be afflicted with the flu even if one has had the flu shot
    • Keep six feet from people to help prevent the spread of germs
    • No need to touch or shake hands
    • Keep hands off of railings if possible 
    • At school, use a door holder so not everyone has to touch the door
    • Use elbows or cloth to open doors or commonly touched areas, ATM buttons
    • Use a clean towel to touch faucets and door knobs as you leave the bathrooms
    • Minimize exposure to crowded indoor places, such as malls, stores, movie theaters, grocery stores, etc.
    • Use hand sanitizer after using keyboards and all electronics and don't share phones and electronics if you don't have to

     

    • Use a sick room in your house for those with fever or illness and wash bedding in hot water with soap
    • DO NOT kiss or hug or have close contact with those who are sick
    • Never share utensils, plates, cups, or personal items
    • Keep toothbrushes in separate cups & not in one with several holes, replace after bout of illness
    • Use separate hand towels in the bathroom
    • Use plastic disposable gloves and masks for caring for ill persons, have the ill person use a mask if appropriate
    • Do NOT visit stores, schools, family homes, nursing homes, hospitals with any sick family member or someone with symptoms or a fever
    • Carry dirty laundry in a basket and not against your body
    • Sponges and toothbrushes can be disinfected in the upper level of the dishwasher
    • Use disinfecting wipes to clean off pocketbooks, wallets, phones, keyboards, remote and TV controls, computers, and all shared electronics
    • Plenty of sleep, exercise, water, vitamins, healthy foods, and avoiding sugar and unhealthy substances will increase your chances of staying well
    • Please remind the children of important and appropriate tools to prevent illness, as mentioned  above   

    Nurse Sullivan – Bragg School Nurse