School is ending and summer is here! You may think that illness is behind you for the season, but say it ain’t so! There has been a stomach bug circulating around.
Symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach pain, and sometimes fever, chills, headache, or muscle aches.
How does it spread?
The virus is in the feces or vomit of infected people. It can easily get on a surface via airborne droplets or from improper hand-washing after being sick, using the restroom, or cleaning up after an ill person. Kids can get the virus if they put their fingers in their mouths after touching a contaminated toy or surface.
The number 1 prevention of spreading illness is frequent hand-washing and prompt disinfection of contaminated surfaces. Soiled clothing should be removed and cleaned as well as avoid food or water that may be contaminated.
What can we do to support the body through this illness? The key word is support as this illness must typically run its course and supportive management is the key to feeling better sooner.
For those who are ages 12 mos and younger focus on hydration! If you are nursing or formula feeding, offer small sips and watch for wet diapers. There should be a wet diaper every 4-6 hours.
Ages 1+ continue to focus on fluids. Monitor for urination every 6-8 hours or at least 3x in 24 hours. If vomiting continues and unable to keep fluids down can utilize activated charcoal.
Children who experience a lot of vomiting or diarrhea can become dehydrated easily.
Hydration is key! Provide clear fluids like bone broth, electrolyte water, or coconut water and encourage frequent, small sips. Additionally, offer brothy soups, popsicles, and tea. Encourage one sip every 10-15 mins until able to keep fluids down. Once fluids are staying down can incorporate the BRAT diet which consists of bland and binding foods.
Some homeopathics to support are: Nux vomica, Arsenicum album, Nausea Calm, and Diaralia. Use as directed by your healthcare professional.
Kids with a norovirus infection should not go to school or childcare until their vomiting and diarrhea has stopped for 24 hours. They also should not go in swimming pools until they’re well again. Children in diapers should stay out of pools until their diarrhea has stopped for 7 days.
Hand washing with hot, soapy water is the best defense against getting or spreading norovirus. Alcohol based hand sanitizers DO NOT kill norovirus.
Comfort care at home is the best remedy.
Symptoms usually begin to improve within 24 hours of onset and should continue to improve over a few days. Sometimes symptoms will disappear and reappear and linger for about 14 days.
Call the doctor if your child:
goes more than a few hours without drinking
has signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, few tears when crying, peeing less than 3 times a day, or no wet diaper in 4–6 hours
still has diarrhea or vomiting after a few days
develops a high fever
vomits blood, or has bloody diarrhea or severe belly pain
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