Stay Healthy

Every year there is some sort of sickness that spreads around trying to infect everyone in its path. The stomach flu is the weapon of choice for the New Year and there may be an easy way for you to stay as far away from it as possible. Studies have shown that the stomach flu is passed around between people through contact of items that people commonly share.

One of the biggest items that is carrying this annoying virus is the keyboard and mouse of computers. The usage of computers never used to be a popular thing – but it seems that children use them in school and adults use them either at home or at work every day. Because of this it is easy to spread the virus between family members, schoolmates, and co-workers without even realizing it.

“There is evidence that shared objects and surfaces help transmit disease,” said Dr. Shua Chai, a CDC epidemiologist and co-author of the report, published in the Jan. 4 issue of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. “This is the first time that we have demonstrated that keyboards and computer mice can be a source of transmission of norovirus,” he added.

The virus – which can cause vomiting and diarrhea - can live on surfaces for several days, Chai said. To prevent infection with the virus, people should wash their hands after using shared objects, and computer keyboards and mice should be disinfected regularly with diluted bleach, he said.

“In addition, people who are ill should stay home for one to three days after they have had their last symptom, because they continue to shed the virus and can still contaminate objects,” Chai added. “These outbreaks are extremely common, and they occur in a variety of settings,” said Dr. Pascal James Imperato, distinguished service professor, chairman of the department of preventive medicine and community health, and director of the master of public health program at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, in New York City.

Norovirus causes severe vomiting and diarrhea that can last for several days. The virus is usually not serious, and most people get better without treatment. However, it can be life-threatening to infants, older people and those with weakened immune systems.

“The best way to stop the spread of norovirus is to wash your hands regularly with soap and stay home from work or school if you are sick,” Dr. Sharon Balter, director of enteric disease for the New York City Health Department’s Bureau of Communicable Disease, said in a prepared statement. “Norovirus is common at this time of year and is not serious for most people, but it is important to take these steps to keep others from getting sick.”