Every winter, headlines warn of outbreaks of norovirus—the highly contagious illness often called the “stomach flu.” Unlike influenza, norovirus is not a respiratory disease; it is a gastrointestinal virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fatigue. It is notorious for spreading quickly in schools, cruise ships, nursing homes, and other crowded environments.

Why Norovirus Spreads So Easily Norovirus is one of the most contagious pathogens known. A person can become infected with as few as 18 viral particles—an amount so small it is invisible to the eye. The virus spreads through contaminated food and water, by touching surfaces and then the mouth, or by direct contact with an infected person. Because norovirus can survive on surfaces for days and is resistant to many comm

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