Avoiding “Spewmageddon”: How to Evade Norovirus on the AT
Every year the horror story begins around the NC/TN state line Norovirus has hit and lots of hikers are sick. It can travel faster than a rumor on trail, blazing itself for hundreds of miles in both directions. While most cases involve taking a zero and then recovering, some hikers become incredibly ill due to the lack of nutrition and hydration their overworked bodies are already experiencing. Regardless of the severity of the norovirus, getting the runs while youre miles from civilization or throwing up all the way up the mountain are never pleasant.
What exactly is the Norovirus? Well, it is actually a group of viruses that causes inflammation of the digestive system, or gastroenteritis, and lasts anywhere from 1-3 days. When you’ve got inflammation of the digestive system, you’ll experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping. These symptoms can also be accompanied by lethargy, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, or a low-grade fever as well. If you have the symptoms then you will be contagious. As with most viruses, once you’ve contracted it the only thing you can do is wait it out as Norovirus isn’t something you can get a prescription to treat. If you’ve decided this doesn’t sound like much fun to you, here are a few tips to keep you a little more protected on your hike:
DONT SPEW AT A WATER SOURCE.
I cant believe I even have to say this, but pooping and throwing up near a water source are a huge no-no. A contaminated water source was thought to be the cause of the norovirus last season and, believe it or not, every single year someone mentions seeing evidence of a hiker using the bathroom in a stream. Just dont do it. EVER. Likewise, if you see a water source looking contaminated, pass it up. Its the AT, I promise there will be another very soon.
Fist bumps not handshakes.
Shaking hands is the easiest way to pass germs on trail. Youre hiking 8-12 hours per day and your hygiene isnt going to be your highest priority. Instead of reaching out to shake someones hand, think about doing a fist bump instead. Consider this the hiker handshake.
Wash your hands with SOAP and WATER!
While its better than nothing, hand sanitizer just isnt a substitute for a good hand washing. Carry your Dr. Bronners in a convenient place on your pack and wash your hands as much as you possibly can.
Avoid digging in to your food (or someone elses).
I know, I know, sharing food with other hikers is something everyone does on trail, but there are ways to do it without getting grubby hands all up in your snack mix. If youre going to share food with people, pour the food into open palms dont thrust your hands into the bag and grab a handful. Trust me, your digestive system will thank you.
Do your laundry!
If youre showering, you need to wash your clothes. Period. Dont want to pay for laundry? Wear them in the shower and wash them while you wash yourself. If youve been around hikers who have been exposed to norovirus, you can carry the virus on your clothes in form of vomit/poo particles.
Choose to camp at a hostel.
While this seems extreme, it worked for us. By the time we had made it to the Whites on our Northbound thru-hike I had contracted this nasty virus for a second time. We quit staying inside at hostels, choosing the camping option instead and didnt stay inside another hostel until after our hike was over. Not only was it cheaper anyway, it kept us from sleeping in communal rooms when we knew the virus was going around again.
These are just a few ways you can try to avoid the norovirus on your hike. While its not a surefire way to completely keep from catching it, by employing the tips above youll greatly decrease your risk of getting sick. Did you get the norovirus on your thru hike?
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Comments 5
Another way to avoid is to leave before and stay ahead of the bubble.
I did everything right and still got noro! Noro was real bad from hot springs to erwin in 2013, I managed to steer clear of it until I went to a restaurant off trail a few miles after over mountain shelter. Made it back to the trail and that was a night to be remembered, or forgotten!
Great article, Sprinkles!
Hikers can help stop the spread of the virus in the following ways:
1) report your illness to the local health department
2) send an email to [email protected]
3) completely fill out the survey that is sent to you
GSE will help knock it out quick. Grapefruit Seed Extract. Available at SufiLodge.org