Which precautions are taken to prevent the spread of viruses like norovirus in healthcare settings?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of strict hand hygiene and environmental cleaning as key measures to prevent the spread of viruses like norovirus in healthcare settings. Norovirus is highly contagious, and it can easily spread through contaminated surfaces and person-to-person contact. Therefore, proper hand hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, is crucial for reducing transmission.

Environmental cleaning is equally important, as norovirus can survive on surfaces for an extended period. Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, especially high-touch areas, helps remove the virus and minimizes the risk of spread within the facility. This combination of hand hygiene practices and effective environmental cleaning protocols is proven to be essential in controlling outbreaks of norovirus and other similar infections in healthcare environments.

Other measures, such as vaccination and the use of antiviral medications, are less applicable to norovirus, as a vaccine is not widely available and antivirals are not typically used for this virus. Similarly, while isolation is a component of infection control, it is often not sufficient on its own without the supporting measures of hand hygiene and cleaning.