Norovirus Cases Rise as Thanksgiving Brings Iowans Together

Of all the things in the world that I hate, nothing quite tops the list like vomiting. In fact, I'd gladly be on the receiving end of some Johnny Knoxville-like escapades if it meant no vomiting or diarrhea for 24 to 48 hours. I really hate Norovirus that much.

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I was recently reminded of just how nasty it can be, when both my twins were sick within a week of each other. Nothing says "I love you" like cleaning up someone's grossest bodily functions, but I digress. It seems I was not the only person across the nation armed with a can of disinfectant, and raw hands from all the washing, as everyone's least favorite house guest has increased its presence across Iowa. And wouldn't you know it, just in time for those massive family get togethers across the nation. It truly never fails.

By now we know what to expect. Every year when the weather gets cold, we spend increasingly large amounts of time in-doors, making the spread of germs not only likely, but relatively easy. That's how Norovirus can take down a whole family in as little as 12 hours.

And here’s the thing about norovirus: it doesn’t care that you spent three days brining a turkey, hours slaving over a hot stove and picky pie crusts, or emotionally preparing yourself for that odd, “I’m not political, but…” monologue. You know it's coming... Norovirus sees that cozy living room packed with extended family and thinks, buffet.

This microscopic menace is absurdly contagious. How contagious? Like, as few as 10 viral particles contagious. For context, you probably release that many particles just thinking about vomiting. And the virus lives on surfaces like it’s paying rent. Countertops, doorknobs, your kids’ sticky iPad or Nintendo Switch screen. Yup, if it’s been touched, sneezed on or near, or anywhere within a five-mile radius of a sick toddler; you're all in danger of "liquid elimination."

The symptoms hit fast and they are not fun;12 to 48 hours after exposure. When they do, it’s like your body suddenly decides it’s auditioning for a disaster movie. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, the whole glamorous package. Thankfully it usually only lasts 1 to 2 days, but those can feel like the longest 48 hours of your life and leave you saying, "I don't remember eating that..."

So, what can we realistically do as Thanksgiving brings us all together like one big, germ-sharing commune?

• Wash your hands like you’re scrubbing in for surgery. Soap and water beat hand sanitizer when it comes to norovirus.
• Keep anyone who’s sick OUT of the kitchen. Yes, even if they “feel fine now.” People can spread norovirus before they feel sick and for days after they stop.
• Clean surfaces with actual disinfectant or a bleach water mix.
• If someone vomits, treat it like a biohazard zone. Norovirus can aerosolize and land on surfaces you wouldn’t even think to clean.
• If you were or are sick, don't spread the disease; stay home!

The good news? With a little caution (I mean I've survived two sick kids already) and maybe a hazmat suit (highly recommended) most of us can get through Thanksgiving without sprinting to the bathroom. And honestly, that’s all I’m really asking for this holiday season. Please God, don't let me have diarrhea at my in-laws. Amen.