You can also get norovirus by touching objects or surfaces that are contaminated and then putting your hands in your mouth without washing them first. Hand-washing with soap and water is key, as hand sanitizer will not do the trick in the case of norovirus, experts say.

No. Hand sanitizer is simply not as effective against norovirus as it at killing other pathogens due to the virus's firm shell, Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told TODAY.com recently.

The cases mark the fourth norovirus outbreak on Holland America ships since early December, following others on its Eurodam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam vessels. Other companies, including Cunard Line and Princess Cruises also saw outbreaks in recent weeks.

“We are seeing somewhere in between 10 to 20 patients each day in the Children’s Hospital who need admissions,” Chief Medical Officer for Kentucky Children’s Hospital Dr. Lindsay Ragsdale said. It’s one of many reasons why Kentucky is one of four states ranked high for respiratory illness activity by the CDC.

As cold and flu season runs rampant this winter, there's an extra virus to residents may have to work to avoid.Norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug, is s