Are there germs in vomit

You are most contagious. However, studies have shown that you can still spread norovirus for two weeks or more after you feel better. Norovirus can easily contaminate food and water because it only takes a very small amount of virus particles to make you sick. Food and water can get contaminated with norovirus in many ways, including when:. Norovirus is the leading cause of illness and outbreaks from contaminated food in the United States.

Most of these outbreaks occur in food service settings like restaurants. Infected food workers are frequently the source of outbreaks, often by touching ready-to-eat foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables, with their bare hands before serving them. However, any food served raw or handled after being cooked can become contaminated with norovirus. Recreational or drinking water can get contaminated with norovirus and make you sick or contaminate your food. This can happen:. For more information on healthy water and how water can get contaminated, visit www.

In addition, when someone has an infection that makes them vomit, their bowel motions stools or faeces are also likely to be contaminated and therefore infectious, as well. Norovirus is a common gastroenteric infection during the winter in Ireland, but it can be contracted at any time of year. Norovirus levels are higher in winter, mainly because people spend more time indoors and there is a greater chance that people, who are in closer contact during the winter, will catch norovirus.

This season is likely to be a particularly busy one for norovirus. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Morning Sickness? Stay Fit in Your 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and Beyond. Trending Topics. What Parents Need to Know.