Hellobee

When you hear about ‘flu season’ this time of year, a picture instantly pops into your head. Coughing, aching, sneezing, fever and congestion are the hallmarks of a typical flu. But what happens when the flu you’re battling is an entirely different creature? What happens when, shortly before Christmas, your whole house is knocked over by the STOMACH flu? In the Oatmeal house, it meant a million diaper changes, several jars of applesauce, and a ton of lounging and watching TV. We weren’t sure what to do to combat this virus in ourselves, or in Little Oats; should we run to the doctor? Pop some pills? And what about that flu shot we got a few weeks back – wasn’t this supposed to help?

I’ll throw a little science at you from my limited knowledge bank (and handy Google). The stomach flu isn’t actually the flu at all; it’s gastroenteritis, an infection of the stomach and intestines. That means your flu shot is null and void in this case – they’re two separate beasts. Where the real flu brings on aches, pains, fever and congestion, the stomach flu usually results in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomachache. This bug is often referred to as norovirus in the US, and sometimes called the winter vomiting bug in the UK, but regardless of what you call it, it’s awful.

Norovirus is spread either person-to-person, or indirectly via infected food and water. Vomiting, toilet flushing, and sharing of food and drink can ‘aerosolize’ the virus, making it quickly spreadable. The CDC says that norovirus is responsible for over half of all food-borne illness every year; that last bout of ‘food poisoning’ you had could very well have been a norovirus. Though scary and unpleasant, most bouts of norovirus go away on their own, as the virus (or sometimes bacteria) runs its course.

Here are a few tips for preventing the spread of norovirus:

*Note: these are CDC recommendations…but take them with a grain of salt. Your kid is probably still going to lick the shopping cart at Target, CDC guidelines be damned.*

1. Wash your hands: Norovirus can be detected in your…. waste… days before you start feeling sick. That means, when you change a diaper, scrub those hands. Even if baby seems to be feeling fine, you might have just gotten yourself infected. Also, norovirus lives on surfaces for a very long time, and are extremely hardy and contagious; every door handle, railing, and flat surface you touch is a potential norovirus breeding ground. A little soap goes a long way for yourself and your kids.

3. When you’re sick, don’t prepare food for others: Yes, moms, I’m talking to you. For at least three days after symptoms stop, the CDC recommends not preparing food for others. Germs linger and spread, even when you’re feeling better.

4. Disinfect, disinfect, disinfect: Lysol spray, sani-wipes, even hot soapy water can be your best weapons against the spread of norovirus. Wash your clothes in HOT water, wipe down surfaces, handles, chairs…basically, if you’ve touched it while sick, it should be cleaned.

But, if despite your best efforts, the norovirus still hits your household, it helps to be prepared. Here are a few suggestions of how to deal with the symptoms while you’re waiting for that virus to get lost.

1. Drink plenty of fluids: Water is probably best, though if you or your child are getting dehydrated (via vomiting or diarrhea), you might want to amp it up a little. Electrolyte solutions for kids can be purchased (or made at home), but avoid high-sugar sports drinks for the little ones. Milk and high-acid drinks can also make stomach problems worse. Avoid that coffee if possible (I’m sorry!).

2. Introduce food slowly: When your stomach is empty, it’s tempting to want to fill it full again. However, in the case of the stomach ‘flu’, its best to go slowly to make sure it stays in your stomach, where it’s supposed to. Start with plain, bland foods in small amounts. The ‘BRAT’ diet is a good starting point: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. Yogurt, vegetables and lean meat can be added if you think they’ll stay down. Avoid fried, fatty and spicy foods.

3. Skip over-the-counter meds if possible: If you or your child have a fever, OTC medication might help. But in some cases, ibuprofen will only hurt your stomach, and may not make any of the symptoms better.

4. Get plenty of rest: Your body needs rest to heal itself. Though it is tempting (especially as a parent) to make sure everything and everyone else are taken care of, make sure you’re getting some down time. In our case, screen time was the only way this was possible; the three of us snuggled up with a movie, and got some good rest.

5. Again…disinfect EVERYTHING: Norovirus is highly contagious, and can live on surfaces for a long time; doorknobs, bedding, the refrigerator handle – all of these can carry germs that will get the next person to touch it sick. If the stomach ‘flu’ has hit your house, break out the Lysol spray and sani-wipes – you might save someone from suffering the same symptoms you are.

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Thankfully, the flu left our house in plenty of time for Christmas. We were down for the count for about a week when all was said and done; first Little Oats, then Mr. O, and me (luckily) came last with severe nausea, but few other symptoms. We knew norovirus was contagious, and we were worried about sending Little Oats to daycare, but we also knew that the other kids had all already been sick or had been exposed to the virus. Honestly, I think Little Oats is thankful for norovirus- it introduced her to the joys of washing her hands, and she now demands ‘hands’ multiple times a day.

Have you dealt with the stomach flu this season? How long did it last? Any tips and tricks for dealing with the symptoms?