Micaela Simon

Submitted photo

There’s so much to love about springtime in Arizona — outdoor events, gorgeous evening hikes and downright perfect weather. However, nothing puts a damper on the fun faster than a sudden illness.

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, the spread of norovirus picks up in the spring and can cause acute gastroenteritis — or inflammation of the stomach and intestines — for 24 to 48 hours.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus which often causes outbreaks in schools, workplaces and community settings. At Be Well Health and Be Well Family Care, our goal is not only to treat symptoms but also to help prevent them.

Here are five simple ways to reduce the spread of norovirus this spring.

Proper hand hygiene

Good handwashing habits are your best defense against norovirus. Use soap and warm water, scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds — especially before eating and preparing food and after using the restroom. While hand sanitizers are convenient, the CDC advises that alcohol-based sanitizers are not as effective against norovirus, so washing with soap and water is essential.

Handle and prepare food safely

Norovirus can spread through contaminated food, making food safety a top priority. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cooking, and avoid preparing food for others if you’re experiencing norovirus symptoms or have been sick in the past 48 hours. Additionally, cook shellfish — a common carrier of norovirus — to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to kill any viruses.

Disinfect surfaces regularly

Norovirus can survive on surfaces for long periods, making regular cleaning essential. Disinfect frequently touched areas using a bleach-based or hydrochloric disinfectant. Pay special attention to shared spaces like bathrooms, kitchens and high-touch items such as doorknobs and light switches.

Isolate symptomatic individuals

If you or someone around you shows symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or nausea, it’s important to stay home and limit contact with others until symptom-free for at least 48 hours. In group settings like schools or nursing homes, isolating symptomatic individuals and implementing infection control measures can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks.

Wash contaminated laundry quickly and safely

Norovirus can spread through contaminated clothing, linens and towels, so it’s important to handle these items carefully. Wear disposable gloves when managing soiled laundry. Wash items immediately using hot water and detergent, then dry them on the highest heat setting. To further prevent contamination, consider adding bleach or a laundry sanitizer to the wash.

By adopting these preventive measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of norovirus outbreaks and protect the health and well-being of our Valley community.

Editor’s note: Editor’s note: Micaela Simon, FNP-C, AAHIVS, is co-owner and nurse practitioner at Be Well Health in Phoenix and Be Well Family Care in Tempe. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.