I'm a Pediatrician & Here's What Parents Should Know About Norovirus During the 2024 Outbreak
It’s been a rough winter for many households across the country. On top of the typical cold and flu season, norovirus, an extremely contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, has been on the rise across the country for weeks, according to the CDC.
Here’s what to know about it, how to protect yourself, your kids, and your loved ones, and what to do should you be unlucky enough to get it.
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What is norovirus and what are its symptoms?
Norovirus is a type of stomach bug that typically spreads in the late fall, winter, and early spring. It can cause abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. People develop symptoms within 12 to 48 hours of being exposed to the virus, and the illness usually resolves within 3 days. During those 3 days, it is common to feel weak, ill, or have diarrhea many times, which puts children, older adults, and people with underlying medical conditions at risk for dehydration.
How does norovirus spread?
People who are infected with norovirus shed billions of viral particles in their stool, and it only takes a few particles to make others sick. You can come into contact with norovirus particles by sharing food, utensils, or eating food handled by someone with the illness; by eating contaminated food (shellfish are a common culprit), or by touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your fingers in your mouth.
How can you protect yourself and your loved ones from norovirus?
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and especially before eating. Clothes that have been soiled have to be washed in hot water and soap, and any surface that may be contaminated must be cleaned with bleach. As convenient as it is, hand sanitizer will not kill norovirus particles.
You should also make a habit of washing fruits and vegetables well, and cooking oysters and other shellfish thoroughly.
What is the treatment for norovirus?
There unfortunately is no treatment for norovirus specifically, so getting adequate hydration while the illness runs its course is key. Small but frequent amounts of liquids are easier for small children (and adults) to keep down at the peak of the illness. Oral rehydration solutions with electrolytes are also a good idea, and if your child refuses those, resorting to things like popsicles may give them just enough hydration to feel a little bit better, and then drink some more.
When should you look for help for norovirus?
The main thing to look out for during an illness caused by norovirus is dehydration. That can manifest as dry lips and mouth, peeing less than normal, and feeling lightheaded. In small children, dehydration can cause them to be very cranky or irritable, or to seem very tired. Call your doctor if you are seeing early signs of dehydration and seek urgent medical help if your child has not peed in over 12 hours, or seems lethargic.
Editor’s note: Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez is a practicing pediatrician at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, a contributing editor to SheKnows, and a mom to an active toddler.
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