
Hand Sanitizer Doesn’t Work In Widespread Virus Outbreak In Illinois
You'll actually have to wash your hands now.
Remember how during the 'vid we all lived and breathed by masks, disinfectant sprays, and hand sanitizers? Even once the mask mandates were lifted, you couldn't enter a room without getting squirted with hand sanitizer.
Last week, the Illinois Department of Public Health warned that norovirus is on the rise in Illinois (as it is nationwide). Norovirus levels are above pre-pandemic levels in Illinois.
What It Is
Norovirus (also called the "winter vomiting disease") is a gastrointestinal issue, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gut pain, body aches, fatigue, and low-grade fever. Humans are the only way this virus can be transmitted, through feces and vomit, and it can also happen when food isn't properly handled or cleaned.
Hand Sanitizer Won't Work
Here's why that jug of hand sanitizer won't work: the particles of other viruses have a fat-based outer layer called an envelope. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can break that down. Norovirus doesn't have an envelope, making it resistant to our hand sanitizers.
And actually, research NBC Chicago found discovered that relying on hand sanitizer too much to prevent norovirus can actually lead to more outbreaks of it in healthcare facilities.
To help protect yourself from norovirus, you need to actually wash your hands. You remember being taught the right way: with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. And wash your hands frequently.
Other norovirus preventative tips from the Illinois Department of Public Health include not cooking for people if you're sick and cleaning/disinfecting surfaces often.
'HOKTUAH' And Other Rejected Illinois License Plates In 2024
Gallery Credit: Canva
U.S. Government's Level 4 Do Not Travel List
Gallery Credit: Canva
More From B100








