According to a survey of 82 students, 7.3% of respondents have had norovirus, and 36% of respondent’s lives have been directly affected. The spread of the virus among the student body contributed to an increase in absences, according to our school nurse Kajal Patel-Thakkar. To gain more insight into the situation and how it is being managed, Ms. Patel-Thakkar agreed to an interview to allow our students a greater understanding of the virus.
TSP: What is your understanding of the norovirus right now?
Patel-Thakkar: “It is a very contagious virus that is spread through vomiting and diarrhea, and it is also foodborne. So, it’s very important that, if you’re working at a restaurant or a long-term care facility, you’re not handling food for at least a couple of weeks, because it does stay in the system for two weeks or so. I would also say that hand washing is very important to prevent the spread. Sanitizer alone does not work.”
TSP: You mentioned long-term care facilities and many students, especially in NHS, have required volunteering hours, and some do that at care homes or shelters. What precautions would you advise to students who are volunteering?
Patel-Thakkar: “So, I would say for 2 weeks, no serving or handling food. Frequent hand washing is always the best thing to do. Also, clothing. The virus does live on high heat, so make sure you’re washing everything at a really high temperature, things like your clothing and even utensils; putting it on a washing cycle of sanitizing if it’s possible. For our school, we would say if you have diarrhea or vomiting, wait 24 hours. Once it resolves, then come back.”
TSP: Many people have compared this to the beginning of the coronavirus. What would you say the similarities are, if any, that you’ve seen?
Patel-Thakkar: “It is contagious, as I said. It is very easily spread. So, I don’t know if I would compare one virus with the other, but it is highly contagious. We do have students reporting symptoms here and there, but nothing to the same extent. They can recover and be back in school, but [it’s important that you are] hand washing frequently if you have symptoms, then remaining home, staying hydrated, and then waiting at least 24 hours once symptoms have stopped.”
TSP: In the future, is there a certain time of the year when we can expect more cases of this?
Patel-Thakkar: “It can be any time during the year for norovirus. But, for respiratory illnesses, we see more Influenza A during the flu season, which we call anywhere between November to February and March. That’s why we encourage the flu vaccine and hand washing or wearing a mask when needed.”
