Norovirus has been in the news and in our area over the past few weeks.  Norovirus is one of many viruses that can cause a viral gastroenteritis, or ‘stomach bug.’  Symptoms with these infections are often fleeting but they can pack a punch!  Prepare your household for the sick season!


Gastroenteritis Basics: 

• Gastroenteritis or the “stomach bug” is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that lead to vomiting and/or diarrhea.

• Symptoms begin 1-2 days after exposure to illness and usually last for 24-48 hours. However, stools can take some time to get back to normal. For some, stools will be looser than normal for up to 2-week after illness. For others, they may develop constipation as their stools start to return to normal.

• Viruses are spread through direct contact with stool or saliva or by consuming contaminated food or drink. 

• Testing is not necessary unless the course of illness is longer than expected or if there is blood in the stools.

• Antibiotics are never needed for viral infections and are rarely necessary for bacterial infections. 

Treatment Basics: 

• The most important goal is to maintain a child’s hydration status by encouraging clear fluids. Water, Pedialyte, popsicles, broths are great options, but anything to keep them hydrated will do! Offer fluids in small amounts if continuing to vomit, as slow as 5 ml every 3-5 min by syringe.
• If a child is able to tolerate solid foods, stick to bland and starchy foods that will soak up fluids through their GI tract. If they are not hungry or refuse to eat for a few days, that’s OK.
• Monitor number of wet diapers; a younger child should maintain 4 wet diapers per day and older child should void at least 3-4 times per day. 
• The best treatment is prevention – if anyone in the house is sick make sure everyone is washing their hand frequently and avoid direct contact if possible!

When to seek care:

• Most cases of gastroenteritis can be treated from home with the supportive measures above but reasons to seek care include: 

  • If your child has not urinated at least 4 times in a 24 hours periods 

  • If you child develops blood in stool or vomit.
  • If they are very sleep or difficult to arouse.
    

  • If your worried

When to go to the Emergency Room: 

• If your child cannot stop vomiting  

• If your child is lethargic or difficult to arouse

• If your child is showing signs of severe dehydration: lethargy, little/no urine output, dry lips, sunken fontanelle (soft spot)

• If you are worried

When to return to school/activities:

• Your child may return to school when fever free for >24 hours without medication and once their vomiting and/or diarrhea has resolved 

Additional Resources:

HealthyChildren.org – Treating Vomiting

HealthyChildren.org – Drinks to prevent dehydration

HealthyChildren.org – Surviving the Stomach Bug