How do I stop my Dad (chemo patient) getting Norovirus in open plan house?

[theotherfossilsister]

I've posted before about my Dad having chemotherapy for quite advanced pancreatic cancer. I just went home to see my folks - spending as much time as possible with them at the moment, because scared they won't have long.

Unbeknownst to me, I was carrying a Norovirus. I only started D & V once I got to the house - and stupidly hoped it meant I was pregnant, as no one else had it. Only my period came, and now my mother has it too. It's a small open plan house in rural france, and I am distraught at the idea that I have bought something home that might hurt my Dad.

I have stopped D & V now. Is it safe for me to prep food for my Dad etc? How can I ensure the house is clean while my mum is still D & V? Dad has already lost a worrying amount of weight and been on a drip in hospital. We really cannot afford for him to get this.

I am distraught, if I knew I had this incubating there is no way I would have come.

My Mum is diabetic - so a bit worried about her having it, but at the moment the infection is keeping her blood levels up, she says.

But please advise me on how to sort this out, before it gets worse.

If he’s going to get it, there’s not much you can do tbh, you’re infectious before symptoms iirc.
keep ill people away from him, clean as many handles, doors, kettle, drawers, toilet flush, taps etc. Fastidious hand hygiene for everyone at all times.
Keep toilet lids down when flushing.

If he gets it, tiny sips of oral rehydration salts (dioralyte/make your own) and sips of water. I know it feels as if everything just bounces back, but tiny amounts get absorbed. Very low threshold for seeking medical help, but if you’re going near a hospital or similar let them know so you can be quarantined.

Sorry, I meant to say good luck.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norovirus As you can see, it’s really highly infectious, I think much of it is just luck.

I think lots of anti bacterial products are probably the only way forwards. I’m assuming you don’t have two bathrooms there if it’s small? I would get an antibacterial spray to use in bathroom after every use, along with wipes for surfaces - and be very very persistent about using them. If it’s open plan I’m assuming you don’t have too many door handles, but they would be another key area to keep clean? Remote controls/computer keyboards/phone & tablet screens also.

I would probably also do washing more frequently, try and keep yours and your mums away from your dads and wash at a higher temp?

For food prep, clean down all surfaces first, and wear some latex gloves for food prep perhaps?

open plan irrelevant.

as mentioned; scrupulous hygiene, toilet lids down when flushing (should always do that anyway). Separate towels, frequent anti-bac spray/bleach on surfaces, taps, anything that gets touched. Don't touch each other.

and don't beat yourself up, you couldn't have known. Hope everyone feels better soon.

Antibacterial stuff won’t work against a virus...

Hiya. As long as he's not near the area you are vomiting in then that's a good start. Bleach all surfaces and bathrooms. Wear a facial mask and gloves. As long as he also keeps his fingers out his mouth and face he should be reasonably safe.

Your poor dad bless him. Must be so upsetting to see your hero so unwell. I hope you are feeling better. Don't be mad at yourself. Sadly these things do happen out of nowhere.

I'd wear gloves to prep his food and mask and apron. Be super cautious for a few days. I hope he doesn't catch it. Love to you all from a stranger. Xxx

Antibacterial spray won't help stomach bugs. Only bleach solution will. X

Dettol spray for door handles and light switches and a bucket of water with bleach solution and a cloth to wipe the place down. Lots of handwashing both for you and the parents
I managed to have only one child get Noro living in an open plan house with a shared bedroom and bathroom, so it's possible, and as a nurse we manage to keep things like this from spreading with care.

Dettol sray (I use the aerosol can) is a disinfectant, not just anti bac.

Steam cleaning is the sure fire way to get rid of norovirus accordingly to my food hygiene training so invest in a steam cleaner and blitz the place. All good thoroughly washed in the (steam cleaned) sink and the nothing raw, all cooked and served piping hot.

For anything not good with being steamed, slosh or spray disinfecting fluid such as Dettol. Get your dad to wear medical gloves and the same with everyone else, gloves changed regularly.

If possible, ensure he has his own bathroom, own crockery and cutlery etc.

At first sign of illness, straight to hospital, don't leave it.

Good luck

*food not good

Thank you all. I'm going to the local shop when it opens to get new rubber gloves (It is open between five and seven because we're a small village.) Am hoping they have anti bacterial wipes too, which i can use alongside bleach.

I feel horrific for having put him at this risk. The small sips of water with salt sound good, as will stop him being dehydrated. I am healthyish and can afford to have a bug, but he really can't.
xx