Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Illness, Including Norovirus
From Harvard University Health Services and Harvard Environmental Health & Safety:
Viral gastrointestinal illnesses are a common occurrence in communal settings, such as dorms. The most common cause is the highly contagious norovirus. The virus can be passed through inadequate handwashing after bathroom use, direct person-to-person contact, touching contaminated surfaces and then touching food or mouth, or via contaminated food and water.
How to Protect Yourself
Like many other infectious illnesses, the most simple preventive measure for gastrointestinal illness is good hygiene.
- Wash hands with soap and water both before and after eating and using the bathroom. This will help to prevent transferring the virus from hands to the mouth.
- Standard soap and water is the most effective way to remove norovirus from hands. Hand sanitizer is not as effective but can be used after hand washing.
- Do not share glasses or eating utensils.
What to Do if You Become Ill
- In a medical emergency, call 911. You may also call the Harvard University Police Department at (617) 495-1212.
- If you need medical assistance or have questions or concerns, connect with your Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) provider via the Patient Portal or contact the HUHS Urgent Care Department at (617) 495-5711.
- In the evenings or on weekends, an After-Hours Nurse Advice line is available for non-emergency medical concerns at (617) 495-5711.
- If you have vomited and a clean-up is required, call the Operations Center at (617) 495-5560 to request assistance.
- Plain, easily digestible food and drink are most appropriate for your condition. Items such as plain pasta, soups, and simple proteins like grilled chicken and tofu as well as tea, seltzer, and electrolyte drinks are available through Harvard University Dining Services.
- If you need to share a bathroom with others, contact your building manager to arrange for cleaning and disinfection supplies to be delivered. You may use these to wipe down surfaces in the bathroom such as the countertop, stall latch, sink faucet handles, and doorknobs after you have used the bathroom.
Facts about Norovirus
You can get norovirus more than once. Immunity to the virus is poorly understood and appears to be short-lived.
- The incubation period is about 24-48 hours from the time of exposure. Symptoms usually last an additional 24 to 48 hours.
- There is no antiviral therapy for norovirus. Treatment consists of rest, hydration, and individual symptom management.
Steps for Proper Hand Washing
- Use a moderate flow of warm or hot water.
- Apply soap to wet hands and lather well.
- Wash thoroughly, including wrists, palms, back of hands, fingertips, and thumbs. Use vigorous friction and pay attention to nail beds and web spaces.
- Hand washing should take at least 10 to 15 seconds (about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” slowly).
- Rinse hands thoroughly and do not touch the faucet.
- Pat skin dry with a paper towel.
- Turn off faucet with paper towel. Then dispose of towel.