Norovirus, colloquially known as the “stomach bug” or “stomach flu,” is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus spreads easily through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. To curb its spread, it’s essential to neutralize norovirus on people’s hands and surfaces.
The best way to kill norovirus is by washing your hands with soap and water, as recommended by Dr. Robert Hopkins Jr., medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Cleaning hard surfaces with bleach-based solutions can also neutralize the virus, but alcohol-based hand sanitizer does not work against it. This is because norovirus is a non-enveloped virus that doesn’t have an outer “envelope” to break down.
Alcohols are ineffective against non-enveloped viruses like norovirus, which can survive on surfaces for days or weeks without infecting a host cell. Soap and bleach, however, can physically wash away the viral particles from skin and surfaces. Dr. Hopkins notes that soap is effective at disrupting viral capsules, while bleach requires more intense cleaning.
Once contracted, there’s no available antiviral treatment for norovirus, so it’s essential to focus on prevention measures. The CDC recommends frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, handling food, or caring for someone who is sick. Disinfecting contaminated surfaces with bleach solutions can also help prevent transmission.
Wearing a face mask may also reduce transmission in health-care settings where norovirus particles may spread through the air. Dr. Hopkins emphasizes the importance of staying away from others while sick and not transmitting symptoms to others.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/viruses-infections-disease/whats-the-best-way-to-kill-norovirus-the-stomach-bug