Understanding Norovirus: What Families Need to Know
Dr. Alison Levine is a pediatrician practicing in Boulder, CO. Dr. Levine started Fig Tree Pediatrics because she is passionate about fostering healthy, joyful lives for children and their families. Dr. Levine combines medical expertise with a holistic approach, prioritizing patient centered, wellness focused, personalized... more
Understanding Norovirus: What Families Need to Know
One of the frequent visitors to my practice during the colder months is the dreaded norovirus. It’s a resilient virus that spreads easily and can leave your whole family feeling miserable. Let’s break down what you need to know and how to best protect your loved ones.
What Is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis—an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It’s often called the “stomach flu,” although it’s not related to influenza. Symptoms usually include:
The illness typically comes on suddenly and resolves within 1-3 days, though lingering fatigue can last longer. It’s especially common in settings like schools, childcare centers, and cruise ships where close contact facilitates rapid spread.
How Is It Spread?
Norovirus spreads through contact with an infected person, contaminated food or water, or touching contaminated surfaces. The virus is tough, surviving on surfaces for days and resisting many common disinfectants.
This means that even tiny particles of vomit or stool (often invisible) can be enough to infect someone. Handwashing with soap and water—not hand sanitizer—is your best defense.
Conventional Treatment for Norovirus
There’s no specific antiviral treatment for norovirus, and antibiotics don’t help because it’s a virus. Conventional care focuses on preventing dehydration, especially in children. Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration, such as:
- Dry mouth or cracked lips
- Decreased urination (fewer wet diapers or trips to the bathroom)
- Lethargy or fussiness
- Sunken eyes or a sunken soft spot on an infant’s head
Integrative Approaches to Support Recovery
In addition to hydration and rest, integrative medicine offers gentle, supportive strategies to help your child’s body heal:
1. Hydration is Key
- Encourage small, frequent sips of fluids. Oral rehydration solutions (look for clean ingredients without excess chemicals or food dyes) or homemade electrolyte drinks are ideal.
- Coconut water with a pinch of salt is a natural alternative that’s rich in electrolytes.
- For older kids, herbal teas like peppermint or ginger can soothe an upset stomach.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics can help restore the gut’s balance after norovirus. Look for strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii. Probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt or kefir may also be helpful once your child can tolerate solids.
3. Gentle Nutrition
When reintroducing food, stick to bland, easy-to-digest options like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet). Broth (vegetarian or bone broth) is another nutrient-dense option that’s gentle on the stomach.
4. Herbal Remedies
- Ginger: Known for its anti-nausea properties, ginger can be given easily as a tea.
- Peppermint: Peppermint tea or diluted peppermint oil applied to the abdomen may help ease cramps.
5. Rest and Recovery
Encourage plenty of sleep and quiet activities to support the immune system. Allow children to participate in activities if they are feeling up to it, but they should be at least 24 hours fever and vomit free before interacting with other kids.
Prevention Tips
The best medicine is prevention. Here are some strategies to reduce your family’s risk:
- Wash Hands Often: Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
- Disinfect Surfaces: Use a bleach-based cleaner on high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and toilet seats.
- Keep Sick Kids Home: Prevent the spread by keeping children out of school or daycare until at least 24 hours after symptoms resolve.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
Most cases of norovirus resolve without medical intervention, but you should seek care if your child:
- Shows signs of severe dehydration, can't keep liquids down
- Has persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
- Is an infant or has a chronic medical condition
- Develops a high fever or lethargy
The Takeaway
Norovirus is no fun, but with proper care and preventative measures, you can minimize its impact on your family. Supporting hydration, gut health, and rest are the cornerstones of recovery, and incorporating integrative remedies can make the process more comfortable for everyone.
If you have questions about norovirus or want to learn more about integrative approaches to your family’s health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician—we’re here to help!
