Can the Norovirus be transmitted via air?
Yes, microbiologically speaking, the transmission of the norovirus is a smear infection. This term describes that the virus is transmitted via direct contact with excrements of infected persons or with objects that have come into contact with the excrements. However, virus particles can also enter the air in the form of aerosols (chemical term for droplets of liquid dissolved in the air) and thus be inhaled. This is particularly important if, for example, water droplets are stirred up when visiting a contaminated toilet and the norovirus is distributed in the air in this way.
Can the virus live outside of humans?
Yes! the Norovirus is extremely resistant and can survive outside of humans for up to two weeks (some sources even assume one month!). Even extreme temperatures of below -20°C or above 60°C cannot harm it. For this reason, it is very important not only to avoid direct contact with infected persons, but also to disinfect door handles or other frequently touched objects regularly in order to eliminate the Noroviruses present there.
How can I prevent the transfer?
To prevent the transmission of the Norovirus, appropriate hygiene measures are essential. Basic hygiene consists of regular, thorough hand washing, which has been shown in studies to be even more effective than the use of disinfectant solutions. The latter are, of course, still a sensible supplement to hand washing.
If there is a wave of disease in your environment, avoid close physical contact if possible – and not only with infected persons, because even carriers without symptoms can transmit the virus (see below). This aspect includes avoiding hugs and, as far as possible, shaking hands. If a person in your household suffers from diarrhea with vomiting, there is a high probability of a Norovirus infection.In this case, common sense dictates that direct contact with the infected person should be avoided as much as possible.
If it becomes necessary to remove the infected person’s excrements, always use hygienic gloves and mouthguards and disinfect the contaminated palms thoroughly. In general, all surfaces that may have come into contact with the excrements or with the infected person himself, such as door handles or remote controls, should be disinfected. Please note: Up to two weeks after the end of the symptoms of the disease, the excrements of the affected person may still contain virus particles that can lead to infection – so continue the special hygiene measures at least for this period.
Use disposable products to avoid further spreading the virus. The infected person should use his own personal hygiene products and towels. The latter as well as the infected person’s clothes and bed linen should be washed at at least 60°C, as the norovirus is destroyed at this temperature. Regular and extensive ventilation also reduces the risk of airborne transmission of the Norovirus.
