Montana Faces Spike in Norovirus—Protect Your Family Now

Montanans, it’s time to step up your handwashing game. Norovirus, aka the “winter vomiting bug,” is making a big comeback, and it’s hitting our state hard. If you’re tired of hearing about germs but not tired of avoiding them, keep reading.

What’s the Situation?

According to Newsweek and Clinical Advisor, norovirus cases across the U.S. are on the rise, and Montana is no exception. This highly contagious virus spreads like wildfire through contaminated food, surfaces, and even that adorable toddler sneezing directly into your coffee.

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The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) warns that the virus thrives in crowded places like schools, daycares, and family gatherings. Sound familiar?

How Does Norovirus Make You Feel?

In short: it's terrible. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, which can last up to three days. While most healthy adults recover without issue, it can cause dehydration, especially in young kids, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

I can recall the last time I had the virus. It was no walk in the park. Severe dehydration due to not being able to keep water down almost sent me to the ER.

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What Can You Do to Stay Healthy?

Wash Your Hands (Seriously): Soap and water are your best defense. Sing the "Happy Birthday Song" to yourself to reach the perfect amount of hand-washing time. Hand sanitizers are great, but they’re not as effective against norovirus.
Disinfect Surfaces: The virus can survive on surfaces for days, so wipe down commonly touched areas with a bleach-based cleaner.
Be Careful with Food: Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and veggies before eating. Norovirus loves a good potluck disaster.
Stay Home if You’re Sick: Please don’t be that person who “powers through” while infecting everyone else.

Why Should You Care?

Norovirus spreads faster than gossip in a small town, and its effects can take you, or your whole family, down for days. By following simple precautions, we can all help reduce the spread and keep Montana healthier this winter.

Let’s do our part, folks. Handwashing isn’t just a chore; it’s a public service. Remember to sing the song...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

IF YOU WASH YOUR HANDS BETTER

THEN YOU WONT GET SICK TOO.