It’s something that can strike fear into the hearts of the most veteran mums.
Let’s face it, even the simple mention of the vomiting bug is brutal.
The virus, also known as the norovirus, is disgusting, germy, contagious and involves tonnes of laundry. Basically, it’s pure hell. Especially for your poor kids.
It is also the staggered nature of the norovirus that makes it even trickier to get a handle on – each child usually starts puking on a different day. And naturally, you get it on the last day that they are sick.
With thousands of people in Ireland catching the bug every week during peak season, here’s everything you need to know about norovirus.
What is the norovirus?
Norovirus, often referred to as the winter vomiting bug, is the most common stomach bug in Ireland.
The highly contagious virus, which affects people of all ages, is more common during the winter months but can be caught at any time of year.
According to the HSE, between 10,000 and 20,000 people per week catch norovirus during a peak period.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
The first sign that you may have norovirus is suddenly feeling very unwell, followed by forceful vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
Some symptoms also include a raised temperature (more than 38C or 100.4F); headaches; stomach cramps and aching limbs.
There’s also a huge risk of dehydration, due to your body losing water and salts from vomiting and diarrhoea.
Dehydration is more of a risk in the elderly and young children.
If you think your little one is becoming dehydrated, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Is it contagious?
Yes.
Norovirus is easily spread through contact with someone who already has the virus, especially via their hands.
It can also be caught through contaminated food or drink, as well as by touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated.
How long does it take for norovirus symptoms to show?
Symptoms of norovirus typically appear a day or two after you first become infected, but they can start sooner.
How long does it take to recover from norovirus?
Most of the people who catch the winter vomiting bug make a full recovery after just a few days.
To lower the risk of passing norovirus on to other people, anyone who has caught the bug is advised to stay home until they are clear of all symptoms for 48 to 72 hours.
How can I avoid catching norovirus?
It’s not always possible to always avoid catching the norovirus, the HSE offered some tips on who to keep it spreading.
The advice includes making sure to disinfect any surfaces that an infected person has touched; washing your hands frequently with soap; as well as not sharing any towels or flannels.
How do I treat norovirus?
There’s no exact treatment for norovirus, with the HSE advising to let the “illness run its course”.
The key things are to have plenty to drink, as well as paracetamol on hand for any fevers, aches or pains.
Foods that are easy to digest – like soups, rice, pasta and bread – are the best ones to eat, while it is advised that babies should continue with their normal feeds.
According to the HSE, a healthy adult should drink approximately 1.2 litres of fluid every day to keep from being dehydrated – while someone who has norovirus will need to drink more to replace the fluids lost from being unwell.
The best drinks to go for are water, squashes and fruit juice. But if you are finding it hard to keep fluids down, try taking small sips often to stay hydrated.
If you are concerned that you or your child is becoming dehydrated, your GP or pharmacist may sggest the use of rehydration drinks.
As not all rehydration drinks are suitable for children, check with your doctor or pharmacist that the one you have is.
If your symptoms continue for more than three days, or you get severely dehydrated, seek medical help immediately.
Is it life threatening?
While norovirus is very unpleasant, it is not usually life threatening.
People who have caught the vomiting bug are warned to be careful not to become severely dehydrated, which can be particularly dangerous to babies, the elderly and people who have a weakened immune system or kidney disease.
How long am I contagious?
Anyone who has caught norovirus is contagious from the moment they begin to not feel well until at least 72 hours after the symptoms have stopped.
However, some people can still be contagious after that, so good hand washing is crucial.
