If your child is having symptoms, please schedule an appointment with your Allied pediatrician.It’s that time of year again! Norovirus is on the rise in the U.S., and it may be a cause for concern for you and your family. Norovirus, also known as the stomach virus, causes sudden onset of vomiting and diarrhea, which can last 1-3 days. Symptoms typically appear 12-48 hours after exposure. These outbreaks can last into April, affecting around 20 million people, resulting in over 100,000 hospitalizations, 2.5 million sick, ER or Urgent Care visits, and in some cases, can be fatal. Children 5 years old and younger are usually in need of medical intervention.Those affected by the virus usually feel ill and have frequent vomiting and/or diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. Medical attention may be necessary when signs of dehydration appear. Here are some signs to look out for:
Decreased/ dark urine
Increased thirst
Dry mouth
Fatigue/drowsiness
Feeling dizzy upon standing
Confusion
Signs to look for in infants:
Dry diaper for 3 hours or more
Dry mouth and tongue
Lack of tears when crying
Drowsiness and excess irritability
Sunken eyes or cheeks
Norovirus spreads quickly and can be spread by having direct contact with an infected person, sharing food, or eating food they have prepared. Touching contaminated surfaces will also spread the virus. While a person is most contagious when having symptoms they may also be contagious before symptoms begin and during the first few days post recovery.So, how can you prevent being infected?
Washing your hands often with soap and water is one of the best preventative measures you can take!
If are unable to access soap and water (ie. out of the house) You may opt to use hand sanitizer. However, hand sanitizer isn’t highly recommended as it does not work well against the virus.
Teach children to sing Happy Birthday or their ABCs while scrubbing and before rinsing.
Make sure you are washing thoroughly after bathroom breaks or diaper changes.
Wash for at least 20 seconds and wash often.
Be especially careful while preparing, eating, or handling food.
If you are infected, it is important to wash your hands often even after you feel better.
Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated.
Clothes that may be contaminated should be washed immediately.
While you may start to feel better around the 72-hour mark post-infection, the virus can still be present in stool for up to two weeks. It is important to remain cautious and take all precautions necessary not to spread the virus further.If you believe someone in your family has symptoms of Norovirus, please contact your trusted Allied Physician!
Allied Physicians Group is a partnership of more than 150 dedicated, caring physicians and 350 highly trained support staff. We offer pediatric care, family medicine, and other specialties at our practice locations. Allied Physicians Group has office locations in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange Counties. If you are looking for a physician near you click here, or for more information, please visit: https://alliedphysiciansgroup.com.
