Norovirus and How to Prevent the Spread

Stomach Bugs and Norovirus: What Every Parent Needs to Know

On top of cold and flu season, stomach bugs are a recurring nightmare for parents and children. Gastroenteritis—commonly referred to as the stomach flu, stomach virus, or stomach bug—is caused by a variety of viruses. Among these, norovirus is the most prevalent and notorious. Known as the "cruise ship virus," norovirus has made headlines for its ability to cause widespread outbreaks in crowded environments like cruise ships and ports because of how highly contagious it is.

What Makes Norovirus a Concern?

Fortunately, norovirus is rarely life-threatening, but it can still cause a lot of problems and stress for both children and their parents. For pediatricians, the primary medical concern with norovirus is severe dehydration, particularly in young children. Signs of dehydration to watch for include:

• Lack of urination
• Dry mouth
• Absence of tears when crying
• Pale or discolored skin
• Sunken soft spots in newborns

If dehydration becomes severe, children may require immediate medical attention for IV fluids and other interventions. Other rare but serious complications include seizures, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and chronic diarrhea, particularly in children with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms and Challenges for Parents

For parents, norovirus doesn’t have to be severe to be a nightmare. Even a mild case of norovirus can feel overwhelming. Frequent vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue means nobody is resting, and children feel miserable. Only some children will develop a fever, and it doesn’t seem to matter how severe their other symptoms are.

Any child is at risk for dehydration, but especially the younger children who may feel too unwell to drink. This creates a vicious cycle: dehydration worsens their symptoms, making it harder for them to take in fluids. In severe cases, this can lead to the need for IV fluids or medications.

How Is Norovirus Treated?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for norovirus. Treatment involves managing symptoms and keeping kids hydrated. Here are some key tips for parents:

• Small, frequent sips: Encourage your child to drink small amounts of fluid, even as little as a teaspoon at a time.
• Hydration aids: Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte can help replenish lost electrolytes.
• Medication for discomfort: Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease abdominal pain and reduce fever, helping your child feel well enough to drink.
• Don’t delay regular foods: Pediatricians are moving away from recommending the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast). Instead, encourage your child to return to a balanced diet as soon as they can handle it. Getting them proper nutrition is essential for recovery.

Breastfeeding mothers should continue to nurse through the illness. Breast milk provides essential nutrients and immune support, making it an ideal option even during a stomach bug. Only turn to options like Pedialyte if your baby is refusing to nurse. As always, keep in close contact with your pediatrician to make sure you are on the right track.

Prevention: The Key to Beating Norovirus

Since treatment is primarily supportive, the best way to deal with norovirus is to prevent it. The difficulty here is how contagious and resilient the virus is.

Norovirus spreads easily through:

• Airborne particles when someone vomits
• Contaminated food and surfaces
• Close contact with infected individuals

Here’s how you can reduce the risk:

1. Thorough handwashing: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, as alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus.
2. Disinfect surfaces: Use bleach-based cleaners to sanitize contaminated areas. Many common disinfectants are less effective against norovirus.
3. Safe food handling: Avoid preparing food if you or your child are experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis.

Your Partner in Pediatric Health

At Lighthouse Pediatrics, we understand how stressful it can be when your child is unwell. That’s why we prioritize accessible, compassionate care to help families navigate common illnesses like norovirus. From offering same-day appointments to guiding you through effective treatment and prevention strategies, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you’re looking for a trusted partner in your child’s health, schedule a visit with Dr. Sean Park at Lighthouse Pediatrics today. Together, we’ll keep your little ones happy, healthy, and thriving.