Stomach bugs, also called gastroenteritis, are very common and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes a fever, usually lasting about three to seven days. They are often caused by viruses like rotavirus and norovirus, which are especially prevalent during the winter months. Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis among people of all ages in the United States causing an average of 19 to 21 million illnesses annually. This article offers tips on what to do when the stomach bug strikes your home.
Symptoms of norovirus typically appear within one to two days of exposure and may include nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. Some individuals may not experience symptoms but can still transmit the virus to others. Norovirus symptoms typically last two to three days, but it can take up to a week to fully recover. The first couple of days are usually the worst, with gradual improvement over the following days.
Norovirus spreads easily, even before symptoms appear. Sometimes an infected person can spread it for weeks before they feel sick. Anyone can get norovirus, especially in crowded places. Most outbreaks occur through direct contact, such as by caring for someone that is sick or sharing food or eating utensils with them. Norovirus is particularly resilient and can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks.
Children with norovirus should stay home from school or daycare until they have been free of vomiting and diarrhea for at least 24 hours. Adults should stay home from work for at least 48 hours after vomiting and diarrhea have stopped. Anyone who is sick should avoid preparing food for others. Even careful hand washing may not prevent germs from spreading.
Cleaning and decontaminating surfaces is critical to remove and destroy the virus. Put on rubber or disposable gloves, clean up the area, then disinfect the area using a bleach-based household cleaner. Leave the bleach solution in place for at least 10 minutes before wiping it away.

“Whenever someone vomits, it’s important to immediately clean and disinfect the area,” says Grant Studebaker, MD, FAAFP, FASAM. “Norovirus spreads easily when tiny particles from an infected person’s vomit or stool are accidentally swallowed.”
The stomach bug can live on surfaces like clothes, sheets, blankets, and towels for several days. To eliminate the virus, wash soiled items in the washing machine using the hottest water setting and longest cycle, then dry them using the dryer’s highest heat setting.
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces helps, but thorough hand washing is the most effective way to stop the stomach bug from spreading. Everyone in the family should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating and after using the bathroom. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers don’t effectively kill the germs that cause stomach illnesses, so always use soap and water instead.
Norovirus infections usually go away on their own and can be treated at home. However, it’s crucial to monitor for dehydration symptoms, as these can appear rapidly. These symptoms include sleepiness, irritability, excessive thirst, paleness, sunken eyes, and decreased urination. If you think you’re dehydrated, your symptoms last more than a few days, or they worsen, consult a doctor immediately. Also, seek medical attention if you notice blood in your stool, as this could indicate another underlying condition that needs treatment.
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