As the colder months approach, it’s natural to see an increase in illnesses like norovirus, colds and the flu. These illnesses can spread quickly in workplaces and schools when proper precautions aren’t taken. With a few simple measures you can help keep yourself, your family, and keeping KAUST healthy and safe.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself, your family and your community for this year’s Norovirus, cold, and flu season;
Symptoms to watch for
Norovirus: Often called the “stomach bug,” norovirus causes sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Symptoms usually appear within 12-48 hours of exposure and can last 1-3 days. Although its nickname is the “stomach flu,” norovirus is not related to influenza viruses, which cause respiratory illness.
Colds: Characterized by a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat and mild cough. Colds typically last about a week.
Flu: The flu can cause fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms in children. Symptoms usually appear quickly and can last several days to over a week.
How these illnesses spread
Norovirus: Spreads through contact with contaminated food, surfaces, or an infected person’s vomit or stool. It’s highly contagious and can survive on surfaces for days. The holidays and cooler winter months often tend to lead to more transmission, and the fast-moving virus spreads easily between people, especially in enclosed spaces when more people are crowded indoors and there is an increase in travel.
Colds and flu: Spread primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. They can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Preventive measures
- Wash hands regularly:
Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after using the restroom, before eating, and after sneezing or coughing. Hand sanitizers are less effective against norovirus. - Disinfect surfaces:
Use a bleach-based solution to clean surfaces frequently touched by multiple people, such as doorknobs, light switches, and phones. - Practice respiratory etiquette:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of tissues immediately and wash hands thoroughly. - Wear a face covering:
While face coverings are no longer required, the use of a face covering is an informed decision and individual choice. If you choose to, research studies have shown that face coverings protect by preventing the release of respiratory droplets into the environment and slowing the spread of respiratory viruses infections. - Stay home when sick:
If you or your child have symptoms, avoid school, work, or other gatherings. For norovirus, remain at home for 48 hours after symptoms subside to prevent transmission. - Cook shellfish thoroughly:
Norovirus can be present in raw or undercooked shellfish. Ensure proper cooking to reduce the risk of illness. - Boost immunity:
Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and get adequate sleep to keep your immune system strong. - Get vaccinated:
Annual flu vaccines are crucial for reducing the risk of severe illness.
By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of norovirus, colds and flu, keeping your family and KAUST community healthy and safe during the season.
Norovirus fact sheet
Is it The Cold or Flu? Fact Sheet
For more information and resources on Occupational Health, please visit hse.kaust.edu.sa or contact us at hse@kaust.edu.sa.
Thank you for Keeping KAUST Healthy & Safe.