Norovirus is a extremely contagious virus that causes irritation in your abdomen and intestines, also called gastroenteritis. The most typical signs of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdomen cramps. There are periodic Norovirus outbreaks on long-distance climbing trails, at shelters, and path cabins or hostels the place hikers congregate.
Norovirus is very contagious and spreads simply via contaminated meals, in water sources, touching contaminated surfaces, or by shut contact with an contaminated individual. Anybody can get contaminated with norovirus, and you may get sick a number of instances in your lifetime as a result of there are a lot of totally different strains.
Right here’s find out how to reduce your possibilities of getting norovirus on a backpacking journey:
- Handwashing with cleaning soap and water is essential: Overlook relying solely readily available sanitizer for norovirus. Wash your fingers completely with cleaning soap and water for not less than 20 seconds after utilizing the toilet, earlier than making ready or consuming meals, and each time your fingers get soiled. Sing the alphabet whilst you wash your fingers. When backpacking, essentially the most handy type of cleaning soap to hold is Sea-to-Summit cleaning soap sheets. They’re higher than carrying liquid cleaning soap like Dr Bronners as a result of they gained’t leak in your backpack and you’ll convey them on airplanes.
- Water remedy past filters: Norovirus will be current in water, significantly pure water sources, in the event that they’re shared by many hikers just like the pool at a spring. Whereas filtration helps, think about using UV gentle, like a Steripen Extremely, or chemical Katadyn Micropur Chlorine Dioxide tablets to make sure complete purification.
- Backcountry hygiene issues: Follow good lavatory etiquette by burying waste far-off from campsites and water sources with a backcountry trowel. Don’t share private gadgets like utensils or water bottles with others and don’t put your hand in any person else’s gorp bag, even when supplied.
- Skip the handshake: A pleasant wave or fist bump is a good way to greet fellow backpackers and keep away from spreading germs. Don’t drink from the identical bottle and skip that shared toke.
- Contemplate timing your journey: Norovirus outbreaks are extra frequent throughout peak climbing seasons. If doable, select much less crowded instances to scale back your threat of encountering the virus from othersÂ
Be vigilant. Contracting a case of Norovirus will smash your day – a number of days actually, and it’s value making the additional effort to keep away from it.
By following these precautions, you’ll be in your option to a cheerful and wholesome backpacking journey!
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