Stomach flu outbreaks are coming up, how can I protect staff and visitors?

Get tips on how to prevent the stomach flu virus from spreading in your facility

Did you know that from November to April is the season for the stomach flu? If you are experiencing severe diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain – it is probably norovirus, a common virus that is in no way related to influenza. Noroviruses are the leading cause of foodborne illness. There is no vaccine for norovirus and the seasonal flu shot offers no protection against it.

Our expert, Tim Clifford, is a Professional Development Trainer at Sani Marc and is part of the team in charge of providing a deeper understanding of cleaning processes and the chemistry behind the procedures. He has over 30 years of experience in sanitation distribution. As a GBAC-Trained Technician, he is trained in how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from biohazards in the workplace. He has provided answers to questions about the norovirus and explains how to avoid catching it.

Q. Is norovirus contagious? What are the symptoms?

A. Yes. Norovirus is highly contagious. You can get norovirus from:

• Having direct contact with an infected person
• Consuming contaminated food or water
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth

Symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, and usually begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. Typically, a person is contagious as soon as they begin feeling sick and remain contagious until 48 to 72 hours after they recover. Take precautions if two or more staff members display symptoms within one to two days of each other.

Q. What can we do to protect our staff and visitors?

A. Here are some tips to help protect yourself and others from norovirus:

1.     Practice proper hand hygiene

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet as well as before and after handling any food. If water is unavailable, use an alcohol hand sanitizer. Post hand washing signs in your washrooms

2. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces

Viral particles can survive up to 12 hours on doorknobs, light switches, railings and faucets, so disinfect them often with a product capable of destroying norovirus, and remember to wear gloves and safety glasses. If cases are reported, clean bathrooms and shared common areas more frequently.

Interesting fact: Norovirus may remain infectious on soft surfaces such as clothing and carpets for up to 12 days!

3.     Practice good kitchen hygiene

Food preparers should always avoid touching food with bare hands. Carefully wash fruits and vegetables. Be sure to clean and sanitize cutting boards, counters, knives and other utensils after preparing raw foods, making sure to respect the contact time of the products you are using, and rinse them thoroughly with water. If you are sick, do not prepare food or pour drinks for other people while you have symptoms – and for at least 72 hours after you have recovered.

4.     Practice social distancing

Avoid group gatherings and recreational activities until at least one week after symptoms have resolved. If your school is experiencing an outbreak, minimize shared objects between students, staff and visitors such as pens or books. Group gatherings such as assemblies should be limited until the incidence of new cases has reached zero.

Q. What tools are available to us during stomach flu season?

A. To help make your facility safer during this season, the Sani Marc eAcademy® h

as several communication tools including:

• Hand washing signs
• Educational Bulletin on how to:
  • Prevent the Spread of Cold and Flu Viruses
  • Clean Blood Spills and other Body Fluids

Having good hygiene habits is the best way to avoid getting sick and spreading norovirus to others. Take the time to promote good hand hygiene in your facility, provide the right products, and follow proper protocols in the event of an outbreak. Contact your Sani Marc account manager for advice on products and procedures.