Norovirus is highly contagious and causes symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

Norovirus cases have been surging this winter, with outbreaks of the infamous stomach bug reaching more than double the number of infections at last year’s peak.

Because the virus is so contagious, it can spread rapidly, particularly among those living in close quarters ― like a cruise ship or nursing home. That means people living under one roof are all at risk if one person contracts the illness, which is characterized by symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

“Norovirus is tough to avoid, especially in households, but you can reduce your risk,” Dr. John Whyte, the chief medical officer at WebMD, told HuffPost.

To help prevent the spread of norovirus in your home, follow the below steps.

First, understand how contagious norovirus is

“Norovirus is extremely contagious,” said Amanda Joy, a physician assistant and associate medical director of MedStar Health Urgent Care. “It only takes exposure to a few particles of virus to spread it.”

The virus spreads easily through direct contact with an infected person.

“It’s not a respiratory virus, so it doesn’t spread through coughing or nasal droplets,” Whyte noted.

Still, you’ll want to avoid sharing food or utensils with someone who is sick or consuming any food that was handled by them.

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