The Norovirus - A stomach virus that will kick your butt!, learn how to protect yourself

Last year New York City Hospitals were swamped with Norovirus patients, even hospital employees themselves fell victim to the norovirus en masse. This year the Norovirus has made an early return and has already hit an area high school here in New York causing 100s to fall ill, and the school to temporarily close. Norovirus is a particularly nasty stomach virus that lasts 2-3 days. It causes severe diahrea and vomiting.  It is not dangerous to those in good health but it could be dangerous to those that are ill or in compromised health. It is extremely contagious and can be spread by hands, mouth, eye or bodily fluids. Here's some simple precautions you can take to reduce your chances of contracting Norovirus.

• Wash hands often throughout the day, especially after contact with doorknobs, stair railings and public bathroom surfaces.
• Use a hand sanitizer (available at any drugstore) often especially if you are unable to wash your hands at the moment.
• If riding mass transit wear gloves (it's cold out anyway) and avoid those who are obviously sick.  Stay away from people coughing or sneezing!
• When out in public treat all surfaces as if they are contaminated with the norovirus especially public restrooms and mass transit areas. Remember, wash your hands often! and if you can't wash them then use a sanitizer. 
• Buy multiple sanitizers and leave one at home, at the office and carry a small one in your purse or bag and in your car. 

Don't take the norovirus lightly, it'll kick your butt!  If you do get, don't return to work for two to three days after the symptoms have dissapeared.