What to do when your child has norovirus

Every year, norovirus causes nearly one million pediatric medical care visits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The highly contagious virus, often referred to as the “stomach flu,” causes inflammation of the stomach and/or intestines, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.

“A child infected with norovirus may experience severe symptoms, especially if they are under the age of 5,” explains Dr. Antoinette Sallamme, a pediatrician at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “Dehydration is a very real risk of norovirus, and severe dehydration requires prompt medical attention.”

Dr. Sallamme’s tips for when your child has norovirus:

Encourage as much rest as possible

It can be difficult to sleep when you’re sick with norovirus, but laying down and resting are an important part of the recovery process. Sleeping and resting help the body fight illnesses by giving the immune system a chance to effectively fight back.

Push fluids and oral rehydration solutions

Frequent vomiting and/or diarrhea can cause the body to lose a good amount of fluid, often leading to dehydration. In addition to water, drinking oral rehydration solutions can help restore the necessary balance of minerals and nutrients in the body.

Watch for warning signs of dehydration, which include dry mouth, infrequent urination or fewer wet diapers than normal. Contact your child’s pediatrician if you are concerned.

Stay home from school and daycare

Norovirus is extremely contagious and spreads from person to person easily and rapidly. Keep your child home until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours, but be aware that they can remain contagious for up to two weeks.

Offer food when vomiting stops

Getting your child to eat while they are still throwing up is not necessary. Instead, wait until they haven’t vomited for at least a few hours and begin to follow the BRAT diet – bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Other easily digestible foods, like saltine crackers, oatmeal or plain noodles, are also safe options. Have your child follow a bland diet for a few days until they are fully recovered.

Practice proper hand hygiene

To keep your child and others healthy, make sure they are thoroughly scrubbing their hands for at least 20 seconds and fully drying them.

What to keep in mind about norovirus

“Remember that most people recover within 24 to 72 hours, but if at any point you are concerned about your child’s health while they are sick, contact your pediatrician,” says Dr. Sallamme. “They can offer further guidance and recommendations based on your child’s specific symptoms, including duration of their illness and level of hydration.”

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