Search icon

Children's health

25th Apr 2022

Experts ask parents to stop sending their children to school with norovirus symptoms

Kat O'Connor

You should not send your child to school because the virus is extremely contagious.

Health officials are warning parents not to send their sick children to school.

They have asked anyone with symptoms of norovirus to remain at home.

Experts say the virus is incredibly contagious so keeping children away from their classmates is key.

Dr. Lesley Larkin of the UKHSA told The Mirror: “Norovirus and rotavirus are easily passed on to those around you and while unpleasant, most people get over it within a day or two.

“Stay at home if you are experiencing norovirus and rotavirus symptoms and do not return to work or school until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.

The main symptoms of norovirus include feeling suddenly ill, vomiting, and watery diarrhea.

You may also suffer from a high temperature, headaches, sore limbs, and stomach cramps.

There are no treatments for norovirus, but you just have to let it run its course. People with this bug have been asked to stay at home until they’re better because it is highly contagious.

Symptoms tend to last for up to three days. People with the virus are most infections until 48 hours after you’re symptom-free. However, you could also be contagious after this.

The HSE has warned the public that hand sanitizers that we used throughout the pandemic will not kill this virus.

They stressed that washing your hands with soap and water is key.

You should wash your hands frequently with hot water and soap. This will help prevent the virus from spreading.

Read more here: Here’s everything you need to know about norovirus