Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause significant outbreaks in care homes. As healthcare settings, care homes need to be extra vigilant in preventing the spread of this virus, which can lead to serious complications for vulnerable residents. Essential information about norovirus, includes symptoms, transmission, recovery time, and cleaning tips to keep your facility safe.

What are the Symptoms of Norovirus?

Norovirus symptoms are often sudden and can lead to outbreaks in confined settings like care homes. The most common symptoms include:

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhoea

  • Stomach cramps

  • Nausea

  • Fever

  • Headaches

Symptoms typically begin between 12 and 48 hours after exposure to the virus, and they can last anywhere from one to three days. For residents with weakened immune systems, dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhoea can be a serious concern.

How Contagious is Norovirus?

Norovirus is extremely contagious, making it especially concerning for care homes where people live in close quarters. The virus can spread quickly through:

  • Direct contact with infected individuals

  • Contaminated surfaces and objects

  • Airborne droplets from vomiting

Just a small amount of the virus is enough to cause infection, and people can become contagious as soon as they start feeling symptoms. This makes proper sanitation and hygiene practices essential to controlling outbreaks.

How Long Does it Take to Get Over Norovirus?

The majority of people recover from norovirus within 1 to 3 days. However, due to its highly contagious nature, the virus can spread rapidly before symptoms even appear. In care home environments, it’s essential to take immediate action to prevent further transmission.

While most individuals will recover without the need for medical intervention, those with compromised immune systems may require additional care to manage dehydration or other complications. It’s important to monitor affected residents closely and ensure they are well-hydrated.

How to Clean to Prevent Norovirus

Cleaning and disinfecting are crucial steps in preventing the spread of norovirus in care homes. The virus can survive on surfaces for several days, so thorough cleaning and the use of the right disinfectants are key.

At Able Cleaning and Hygiene, we offer powerful solutions to help your care home maintain a clean and safe environment:

  • Legion+ Products: These products are designed to eliminate viruses and bacteria, ensuring that surfaces are disinfected effectively to prevent norovirus transmission. They are perfect for high-touch areas such as handrails, doorknobs, and bathroom surfaces. Learn more about Legion+ products here.

  • Chlorine Tablets: For a thorough deep clean, our chlorine tablets provide a reliable method for disinfecting surfaces. With 200 tablets in a pack, they are an excellent solution for disinfecting large areas quickly and efficiently. Simply dilute and use as directed to wipe down high-risk areas. Discover our chlorine tablets here.

ENQUIRE ABOUT OUR CLEANING RANGE

Preventing Outbreaks: Tips for Care Homes

  1. Isolate infected individuals: If a resident shows symptoms of norovirus, it’s crucial to isolate them from others to prevent the virus from spreading.

  2. Frequent hand washing: Ensure all staff, residents, and visitors wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom or handling food.

  3. Regular disinfection: Make sure to disinfect surfaces at least once a day, or more frequently if an outbreak occurs.

  4. Monitor residents for dehydration: Keep an eye on residents for signs of dehydration, particularly for those who are elderly or have pre-existing health conditions.

By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of norovirus outbreaks in your care home.

Conclusion

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause significant disruption in care homes. With early detection, proper cleaning practices, and vigilant care, outbreaks can be prevented and minimized. Make sure to take action swiftly and use the right cleaning products, like our Legion+ products and chlorine tablets, to protect your residents and staff.

By staying informed and prepared, you can help keep your care home free of norovirus and other infectious diseases. Book a hygiene site survey with me to assess your cleaning needs.