02/19/2026
Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach virus that goes through daycares, schools and communities every year at around this time. Symptoms usually start 1-2 days after being exposed. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headaches and body aches and can last 1-3 days.
The virus is spread through coughs, sneezes, touching contaminated surfaces and sharing food and drinks with someone who has the virus.
This virus is hard to kill!
👉 Norovirus can live on surfaces such as door k***s, sinks and counter tops for up to 2 weeks! Use an approved disinfecting wipe or a bleach solution (4 teaspoons of bleach in 24 oz of water) and wipe down frequently touched surfaces like door k***s, faucet handles, remotes, and countertops. Mix a fresh batch of bleach solution every 7 days.
👉 This virus does not get killed by hand sanitizers so it is very important to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Have kids sing the Happy Birthday song to make sure they wash long enough! 🎶
👉 Do not share food or drinks! No matter how tempting, it is just not worth it!
There is no medicine to cure norovirus so treating the symptoms is important.
🚰 Give small amounts of clear fluids every 20-30 minutes if your child is vomiting. Pedialyte or other rehydrating drinks can help to combat dehydration. Popsicles and ice chips also help. Clear soup broth is a good rehydration fluid.
💊 Treat fevers with tylenol or ibuprofen if needed.
💚 Probiotics can help lessen the diarrhea.
🛌 Let them rest, they can be very worn out from this illness.
Call the office if your child...
❗️cannot stop vomiting and is not able to keep even clear fluids down.
❗️has severe abdominal pain or bloody diarrhea.
❗️is urinating a lot less than is normal or has very dark urine.
❗️is excessively fussy or so tired that you cannot wake them up easily.
❗️has other symtoms that are severe or that worry you.
