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.

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Norovirus is highly contagious and therefore, it is important that you take the required preventive measures to keep yourself protected. A lot of people tend to use hand sanitizers but is it really effective in killing the virus?

Norovirus cases in the US have more than doubled compared to last season's peak. The highly contagious virus causes acute gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.

Hand sanitizer alone isn't enough to protect you from norovirus, experts say. So it's important to know how to stay safe and wash your hands properly. The FDA announced on Wednesday that it has banned the use of Red No. 3, an additive used to give food and drinks a cherry-red color.