How can I protect myself from norovirus?

There's no denying that norovirus symptoms -- acute diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain -- are serious stuff, especially for those with chronic disease, but its days are numbered. A norovirus vaccine is on the way. Until then, you can protect yourself from catching and spreading this stay-close-to-the-“throne” enemy.

• Wash your hands -- all over -- with soap and water. Bathing your hands is better than using alcohol wipes alone.
• If you get the bug, don't prepare food.
• Disinfect surfaces -- especially telephones, door handles, gym equipment, and counter tops -- with chlorine bleach.
• If you do cleanup duty after someone gets sick to the stomach, wear a mask. Noro can drift through air and infect you.