Norovirus, or commonly referred to as the stomach bug, is extremely contagious.
Anyone who has kids will tell you just how contagious it really is. And when it hits your home, it’s near impossible to keep it at bay.
But, not all hope is lost! I have personally survived many stomach bug occasions in my own home by simply following a strict set of rules. The ones who didn’t follow my strict rules? They ended up being the next victim, sadly.
In my 14 years of being a Mom, I am pretty blessed to not have many occurences with this nasty bug. But, I have also suffered from emetophobia my entire life, so it makes me a little more vigilant in avoiding them altogether.
If you are a fellow emetophobe (phobic of vomit), then welcome. You are not alone.
While it’s estimated that only .1% of the population has this specific fear of throwing up, I have come across A LOT of people who also share this fear to make that percentage seem unreasonable. It’s more likely that people don’t talk about it because first of all, it’s gross. Secondly, it’s a fear that doesn’t pop up every day.
So if you happen to fall into that category, my goal here is to inform and empower you to take charge when it does happen. Because it eventually will one day – and you will survive it.
Nobody is completely immune to this virus, even us with the fear of it.
It only takes a few particles to come down with symptoms – which is why it’s so extremely contagious. But, there is hope to help you avoid it when possible and help bounce back quicker if you fall victim to it.
Disclaimer: This Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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How to avoid the stomach bug
The simplest way to avoid the stomach bug is by not touching the particles that end up in your mouth.
The particles can be found anywhere. Just think of the most touched objects in public and start with those. Door knobs, bathroom doors, toilets, sink handles, hand dryers, shopping carts, playground equipment, healthcare facilities, restaurants, etc.
During peak stomach bug season, I really make it a mission to avoid the most common contaminated places. According to the CDC, these include healthcare facilities, restaurants, schools, and childcare centers (thumbs up for homeschooling).
While that not be doable in all circumstances, there are some ways to mitigate and avoid picking it up.
Handwashing is key if you want to avoid Norovirus
The most underestimated way to avoid a stomach bug is the most powerful. Handwashing removes the particles that could have landed on your hands and washes them away down the sink.
When someone actively has a stomach bug in the house, my first line of defense is handwashing for EVERYONE. This includes the victim as well.
Before eating and especially before touching food. I will even go to eat foods that I don’t have to use my hands for the sake of avoiding a bug. When the house in infected, I usually stick to things like smoothies, yogurt, soups, and anything that I don’t have to pickup with my hands to eat.
You might think that is overkill, but I’d rather take extra precautions then be sorry that I didn’t.
Antibacterial soaps and disinfectants are useless
Forget the antibacteral wipes, disinfectants, and hand sanitizer. It doesn’t work against norovirus and it’s useless.
Most antibacterial soaps and sanitizers are not meant for killing viruses, which is exactly what the tummy bug is. So stick with hand soap, it’s truly the best thing.
But, if you are out and about and need something in a pinch, make sure you choose a hand sanitizer that actually kills noro.
Use cleaners that actually kill stomach bug particles
Not all cleaners are created equal when it comes to killing noro.
Lysol wipes won’t cut it. You have to specifically look at the labels to make sure that it WILL kill the virus – because most standard cleaners that you find on the shelf will not.
The two most effective cleaners than you can get to kill noro are bleach and hydrogen peroxide.
Look for a cleaner that has either ingredient AND the label to prove it. The last tummy bug that wiped out my entire house had me scouring the internet and emet message boards about the best cleaners. I cannot stand the smell of bleach (and not something I like to use to begin with for safety and health reasons), but I found that healthcare cleaner can be used to kill noro. I ordered this Clorox Hydrogen Peroxide cleaner a little too late, but you can bet it’s fully stocked in my home now.
There are two kinds of this cleaner: the actual spray solution and the wipes. Upon research, I saw that the solution needs to stay on the surface for 2 minutes in order to kill the virus. The wipes just didn’t cut it and all of my kiddos ended up getting hit.
Just take it from me. If you don’t want be passing the bucket around for a week or more, then get the spray bottle and follow the directions.
Natural remedies to help with Norovirus
You’ve done everything that you can to avoid it, but it still hits. Now what?
There are some natural things that you can TRY, but I don’t like to make claims that these work because they haven’t been proven. At best, they can definitely help with the discomfort and longevity of the virus.
Peppermint oil roller – some of my kids really like having diluted peppermint oil rubbed right on their belly during a tummy bug. It can calm down the nausea and relieve some of the discomfort that comes with it. I make my own roller bottle by using a few drops in a bottle like this and then diluting it with a carrier oil.
Homeopathic remedies – depending on how the symptoms are presenting, you can try your hand at a few homeopathic remedies. Take my advice and get the sugar pellets. The lactose pellets aren’t always easy on the palate and they might just come right back up.
Electrolytes – Electrolyte drinks help to stay hydrated while sick and they also help to replace lost minerals. I like to stock up on Bodyarmor drinks because they contain less sugar and no added food colors. Even just a few sips an hour can help you from becoming dehydrated, so make sure you encourage at least that during a bout of illness.
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First foods to eat after coming down with a stomach bug
After all vomiting has subsided and you start to get an appetite back, make sure you start slow.
If all possible, try sticking to the B.R.A.T.Y diet until your insides feel ready to handle something new. Vomiting is a SYMPTOM of a GI bug that causes inflammation in the gut. So, avoiding inflammatory foods will help you get on the mend faster without any relapses.
B – bananas
R – rice
A – applesauce
T – toast (without butter or sugary jelly)
Y – yogurt (plain)
Sipping on electrolyte drinks can also help you stay hydrated and replenish fluids and nutrients lost whole sick. I like to stay on them for a few days after illness to replenish the body and stay hydrated. And sometimes it’s just a lot easier to sip on something flavored than plain water.
Tips to avoid spreading the stomach bug
What I am about to share is what I am truly passionate about.
Nothing grinds my gears more than knowing a child has been throwing up all night and then playing at the playground the next day. Or back in school, Daycare, or at a family function.
Because you know what happens next? All of the kids they played with during the day came home with that little bad bug and they become the next victim.
STAY AT HOME AFTER YOU RECOVER.
KEEP YOUR KIDS HOME AFTER THEY RECOVER.
You can literally shed this virus for UP TO TWO WEEKS after symptoms cease. So, if you use the bathroom and don’t wash your hands properly, then touch objects that other people touch, you just unknowingly gave them a gift that keeps on spreading.
This is why I avoid heavy traffic places during peak stomach bug outbreaks. Because people don’t know this!
It’s not that difficult. Do everyone a favor and just stay home for a few days. You are at the most risk of infecting others within 2 to 4 days AFTER symptoms are gone.
So if you can, just stay home. Signed, your friendly neighborhood emetophobic Mom.