(HealthDay News) -- Infection with a norovirus, sometimes called stomach flu, causes symptoms such as vomiting, fatigue and diarrhea. The virus is easily spread in crowded, contained areas such as nursing homes or cruise ships.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests how to help prevent the spread of norovirus infections:

• Thoroughly and frequently wash your hands with warm water and soap. Always wash hands after using the bathroom, before preparing food and after changing a diaper.
• Thoroughly cook foods, especially seafood, and wash all produce before eating.
• If you are sick, do not prepare food for other people until at least three days after symptoms have stopped.
• Thoroughly disinfect any potentially contaminated surfaces with a bleach-based solution.
• Wash all clothing and linens in a long, hot cycle in the washing machine and then dry in the dryer. Wear rubber gloves when handling contaminated laundry.