As parents, keeping your child healthy is a top priority. However, some illnesses, like norovirus, can strike suddenly and spread quickly, making it essential to understand how to recognize, prevent, and manage this common pediatric ailment.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms commonly referred to as “stomach flu.” Despite its nickname, norovirus is unrelated to the influenza virus. It is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis in children worldwide.
Symptoms of Norovirus in Children
Norovirus symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last for one to three days. Common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (often watery and non-bloody)
- Stomach cramps
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue and body aches
In severe cases, dehydration may occur, especially in young children. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, decreased urination, sunken eyes, and lethargy. If you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
How is Norovirus Spread?
Norovirus spreads easily, primarily through:
- Person-to-person contact
- Contaminated food or water
- Touching surfaces or objects with the virus and then touching your mouth
Children in daycare, schools, or other group settings are particularly vulnerable due to close contact with others.
Prevention Tips
While norovirus is highly contagious, there are steps you can take to reduce your child’s risk:
- Handwashing: Teach your child to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces: Use a bleach-based cleaner to disinfect high-touch areas like toys, countertops, and doorknobs.
- Avoid sharing food and utensils: Encourage your child to avoid sharing items that come into contact with their mouth.
- Properly handle food: Wash fruits and vegetables, cook seafood thoroughly, and avoid preparing food if anyone in the household is ill.
Treatment and Recovery
There is no specific antiviral treatment for norovirus. The primary focus is on supportive care:
- Hydration: Prevent dehydration by offering small sips of water, oral rehydration solutions, or electrolyte drinks.
- Rest: Allow your child to rest as much as needed.
- Diet: Resume a normal diet gradually, starting with bland foods like rice, bananas, and toast once vomiting subsides.
Avoid giving anti-diarrheal medications to children unless directed by a healthcare provider.
When to Call a doctor
Contact your pediatrician if:
- Symptoms persist beyond three days
- Your child shows signs of severe dehydration
- There is blood in their vomit or stool
- They are unable to keep liquids down for more than 24 hours
Norovirus can be an unpleasant experience for both children and parents, but with proper care and prevention measures, most children recover quickly.
When pediatric offices are closed, book a telemedicine appointment with a board-certified pediatrician at hellopediatrics.com.
