Norvirus can survive on chlothes and soft furniture for up to a month

Norovirus that affects the stomach and triggers unpleasant issues can easily spread around

During colder months and when our immunity is weak, various viruses spread around more easily. Flu and Coronavirus, which have become more common, go from one family member to another. The same goes for Norovirus, which affects the stomach and commonly spreads among children in schools and daycares.

This winter has been announced as harmful not only because of the flu outbreaks but also because of the spread of stomach bugs. Outbreaks have been reported in the US and other countries. When numbers get compared by the CDC, recorded cases in 2024 shot up by at least a hundred. Experts even expect more cases this month^[1].

Norovirus, often spread through contaminated food or water, is a significant cause of vomiting and diarrhea. The only slight relief is that it usually passes within one to three days. However, cases of this nasty stomach bug are surging across the U.S. These outbreaks have hit one of the highest levels in the past 12 years.

Common symptoms can include vomiting, cramping, dry mouth, dizziness and diarrhea, weakness or headache, and fever in some cases. The disease significantly affects people and makes them fussy, sleepy, and weak because of the loss of fluids.

The worst thing about this virus is that once one person is feeling better, he or she can quickly spread the virus further. Also, some people can be asymptomatic and experience no issues but be contagious and pass the virus to others. Since children and adults with weakened immune systems are more likely to get the virus, healthy people can spread the virus around unknowingly.

Norovirus microbes can silently lurk on fabric for up to a month

Experts warn that norovirus is highly contagious and can survive on fabric-covered surfaces—like clothes, chairs, pillows, and curtains—for up to a month^[2]. According to reports, cases have jumped by 40% compared to previous years.

The virus spreads quickly through contact with contaminated surfaces or by eating food handled by an infected person. It is crucial to take the necessary actions against the spread of the illness because families can get stuck in the vicious circle of dealing with this virus in their close groups.

We often think about the sick person and the clothes and things they touch or eat out/ with. Washing clothes and bedsheets when ill is common, but wiping surfaces and caring for soft furniture does not always cross our minds.

As microbiologists note, hot temperature is the best friend in such cases. Experts recommend cleaning the washing machines with bleach and hot water cycles monthly to avoid diseases, especially after one or a few family members get sick. Laundry detergents with enzymes or oxygen bleach also can help.

As for those soft surfaces, you can use steam irons or sanitize fabrics and use a hot hair dryer. Clean your pillows, stuffed animals, and other items from clothes that are not easily washable in the laundry machine.

Pandemic practices come in handy during virus outbreaks

The best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water—hand sanitizers won’t kill the virus. This is a tricky illness because there are no anti-virals that treat norovirus. CDC even wars about the problem of taking antibiotics on your own will. Such medication won't work and can lead to other issues like antibiotic resistance.

The best way to get through the stomach flu is to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and pay attention to what your body needs, says Dr. Paul Sax, an infectious disease expert at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. That might mean skipping solid food for most of the day^[3].

"Don't force yourself to eat if you're not ready," says Sax. "Once you start feeling better, you can slowly introduce food again."

Staying hydrated is key, as stomach bugs can quickly lead to dehydration. The CDC recommends drinking plenty of fluids to help your body recover. When you’re ready for food, many doctors suggest starting with the BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

One thing to avoid is alcohol, as it can slow down recovery. Some people also avoid dairy because norovirus can temporarily make it harder to digest lactose. The infection affects the gut lining, reducing the enzyme that helps break down dairy.

As for avoiding the virus altogether, the pandemic taught us well. The best way is to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, have hand sanitizer, and strengthen the immune system via food and supplements.