Politics & Government

5 Things: Don't Get a Stomach Bug

Tips from Sussex County and the Centers for Disease Control.

It's about that time.

Meaning as the seasons change and winter slides into spring, immune systems tend to get all wacky with the weather. With that in mind, the Centers of Disease Control, via Sussex County, released the following tips on keeping away from the dreaded norovious, or stomach bug.

  1. Do not prepare food if you are ill:
    Local and state health departments require food handlers and preparers with the virus not to work until 2-3 days after they feel better
  2. Practice proper hand washing:
    The most important way to prevent norovirus transmission and infection is practicing frequent and appropriate hand washing. Wash your hands carefully with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before preparing or handling food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not a substitute for proper hand washing. More information can be obtained from www.cdc.gov/cleanhands/.
  3. Carefully wash and examine fruits and vegetables:
    Any foods that may have become contaminated with the virus are to be thrown out. Fruits and vegetables should be washed carefully. Foods such as oysters and shellfish should be thoroughly cooked before eating them. Sick children and infants in diapers must be kept away from any food preparation sites.
  4. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces:
    Immediately clean, disinfect, and rinse contaminated surfaces if they have been soiled with vomit or diarrhea by using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed by the manufacturer or a solution made by adding 5-25 tablespoons of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water. More information can be obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov/oppad001/list_g_norovirus.pdf.
  5. Laundry duties:
    Linens, towels, and clothing soiled with either vomit or diarrhea should be handled carefully as not to agitate them and spread the virus. They should be laundered with detergent at the maximum available cycle length and machine dried, according the CDC.

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