Norovirus is hard to kill
Waiting in the carpool line, I scroll through my FB feed then I see it…Oh no… Glancing up, I see my 2 older girls running from the courtyard through a sea of school kids to my van. It hits me, what are the chances they aren’t dragging the dreaded stomach flu germs into my van? As they’re buckling, I continue to scroll, seeing just how many families are being hit, HARD, by this nasty virus… School mates, play dates, and friends all over the country seem to be dropping like flies.
This year has produced particularly virulent strains of the quickly spreading ‘stomach flu’, technically termed Norovirus. Although often referred to as the stomach flu, it’s not related to influenza and the Flu Shot offers no protection against the virus. It’s estimated that the average person will get Norovirus 5 times in their life! It typically lasts 2-3 days but is contagious from when the first symptoms appear until at least 3 days following recovery. There are many precautions you can take, but one thing experts agree on, your best chances to protect your and others from Norovirus:
Wash your hands! I know you know this… but the lady in the Target restroom today forgot, so this is just a gentle reminder – DON’T FORGET! Get under your fingernails and up to your forearms if possible. I know you’re in a hurry, but it’s a simple, effective way to stop the spread of germs.
So what do you do if someone in your house begins with symptoms? I have struggled a bit because I try to avoid chemicals and prefer natural cleaners whenever possible. We use a solution of distilled vinegar and water with essential oils to clean many surfaces in our home. This is one situation where unfortunately natural just isn’t effective – the Norovirus is particularly hard to kill. According to Stop the Stomach Flu, among the most effective and easily accessible is likely in your medicine cabinet right now: good old Hydrogen Peroxide. I bought an extra bottle of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide during my Target trip (after washing my hands) along with a spray nozzle for easier application, so we’re prepared to quarantine and decontaminate at a moments notice. So far, only 1 of our family of 6 has been hit, and I’m hopeful it stays that way!
Has your family been hit by Norovirus this year? Please share your tips below!