Norovirus - Best Products for Prevention

Posted on 19-02-2025

Protecting against Norovirus: Best products for prevention. Norovirus, often referred to as the “stomach flu,” is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Norovirus outbreaks can occur in many settings, including schools, healthcare facilities, and restaurants, making it a significant public health concern. On 6th February 2025, the NHS reported the busiest week, for hospitals, this winter for Norovirus intake, which is 69% higher than the same period last year.  

Though the virus spreads quickly, there are several effective strategies for protecting against it. The key lies in maintaining good hygiene practices, sanitising surfaces, and using products that are designed to kill the virus. In this article, we'll explore the best ways to protect yourself and the most effective products to help prevent norovirus infection.

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Proper Hand Hygiene

The most common way norovirus spreads is through contaminated hands after touching contaminated surfaces, food, or water that have been exposed to the virus. Practicing good hand hygiene is essential to preventing infection.

Best Products for Hand Hygiene:

  • Antibacterial Hand Sanitisers: Choose hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol. While alcohol-based hand sanitisers are effective in killing most germs, they may not be as effective against norovirus compared to washing with soap and water. However, they are a good option when soap and water are unavailable. We stock a full range of hand sanitisers including our System Hygiene Alcohol Hand Sanitiser 5ltr and Evans Vanodine Handsan Sanitiser which is available in handy 500ml pump bottles.

  • Soap & Water: It’s crucial to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Soap helps break down the virus particles, and washing with water removes them. Some top recommendations for a low cost but effective hand soap is our Perfumed Pearl Hand Soap in 5ltrs or alternately our Luxury Pearlised Hand Soap in 5ltrs is also an excellent choice in keeping hands clean.

  • Portable Hand Wipes: If you're on the go, having disposable disinfecting wipes on hand can be very helpful. Wipes that contain alcohol or disinfecting agents are ideal. The Uniwipe Hand and Surface Wet Wipes are ideal for keeping hands and hard surfaces sanitised.

Sanitising High-Touch Surfaces

Since norovirus can survive on surfaces for days or even weeks, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infection. This includes countertops, door handles, light switches, bathroom fixtures, and remote controls.

Best Products for Surface Cleaning:

Proper Food Handling

Norovirus can also spread through contaminated food and water, especially if proper food safety measures are not followed. Preventing contamination in the kitchen is essential.

Best Products for Food Safety:

Laundry and Fabric Care

Norovirus can survive on fabrics, especially in places like towels, sheets, or clothing. Ensuring that contaminated clothing is properly cleaned is essential to stopping the virus from spreading.

Best Products for Laundry:

  • Disinfecting Laundry Detergent: For washing heavily contaminated laundry, use a detergent that contains added disinfecting agents, like our System Hygiene Disinfecting MRSA & E-Coli Laundy Powder. The product kills viruses during the wash cycle.

  • Hot Water Wash: Use hot water (at least 60c) when washing clothing, bed linens, or towels that may have come in contact with norovirus. High temperatures can kill the virus without the need for chemical disinfectants.

Avoiding Contaminated Water

Norovirus can also spread through contaminated water, such as from sewage or improperly handled drinking water. It’s crucial to ensure any water you consume or use for cooking is safe.

Best Products for Water Safety:

  • Water Filters: If you live in an area with concerns about water contamination, using a high-quality water filter is essential.

  • Water Purification Tablets: In emergency situations or when traveling, using water purification tablets can help ensure your drinking water is safe from norovirus.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus, but with careful hygiene, proper cleaning, and the right products, you can greatly reduce your chances of contracting or spreading it. The best protection involves regular handwashing, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, practicing safe food handling, and maintaining good fabric hygiene. By incorporating these habits and using products designed to combat norovirus, you’ll significantly reduce your risk of infection. If you need any advice regarding the control, and helping prevent the spread, of norovirus please feel free to contact our sales team on 01282 777999 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to recommend cleaning and sanitising products, or safety procedures to follow.

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