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 you’re 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:

DON’T SPEW AT A WATER SOURCE.

I can’t 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 don’t do it. EVER. Likewise, if you see a water source looking contaminated, pass it up. It’s 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. You’re hiking 8-12 hours per day and your hygiene isn’t going to be your highest priority. Instead of reaching out to shake someone’s hand, think about doing a fist bump instead. Consider this the hiker handshake.

Wash your hands with SOAP and WATER!

While it’s better than nothing, hand sanitizer just isn’t a substitute for a good hand washing. Carry your Dr. Bronner’s 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 else’s).

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 you’re going to share food with people, pour the food into open palms – don’t thrust your hands into the bag and grab a handful. Trust me, your digestive system will thank you.

Do your laundry!

If you’re showering, you need to wash your clothes. Period. Don’t want to pay for laundry? Wear them in the shower and wash them while you wash yourself. If you’ve 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 didn’t 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 it’s not a surefire way to completely keep from catching it, by employing the tips above you’ll greatly decrease your risk of getting sick. Did you get the norovirus on your thru hike?