NOROVIRUS IN BABIES & CHILDREN

What is Norovirus?

Also known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus is a highly contagious virus, affecting both children and adults, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.  Although it is most common in the winter months it can be caught at any time of year.

How is norovirus spread?

Norovirus spreads easily in many public places such as schools and hospitals. You can catch it if small particles of poo or vomit from an infected person gets into your mouth. This can happen if you come into close contact with an infected person, touch a contaminated surface or objects, or even eat contaminated food.

A person with norovirus is most infectious when their symptoms first start, until 48 hours after all of their symptoms have passed.

What are the symptoms of Norovirus?

Any symptoms usually appear one or two days after your child has become infected and last for 2-3 days. The most obvious symptoms are:

• Sickness, which may include projectile vomiting
• Diarrhoea

These may also be accompanied by:

• Slight fever
• Stomach cramps
• Headache
• Aching limbs

How is norovirus treated?

There is no cure for norovirus so children are best cared for at home. It is important to look out for signs of dehydration, especially in babies and toddlers who can become dehydrated very quickly. If dehydration becomes severe it can be dangerous.

Usually, most symptoms clear up with 48 hours but ask your GP for advice if your child is still being sick after two days or has a fever higher than 38°C. Seek urgent medical help if your child becomes floppy, unresponsive or develops a rash

How can I ease the symptoms of norovirus?

You can ease the symptoms of norovirus in babies and children by...

1. Offer extra fluids to avoid dehydration. Avoid fizzy drinks or fruit juice as this can make diarrhoea worse. Babies should continue to feed as usual.
2. Give infant paracetamol, in the correct dose for the child’s age, to relief discomfort and reduce fever.
3. Oral rehydration drinks will help prevent dehydration. Ask your pharmacist for advice

As norovirus spreads very easily you should keep your child at home until all the symptoms have passed.

Is it possible to prevent norovirus?

You can follow these steps to prevent norovirus from spreading...

• Frequently wash hands with soap and water, especially after going to the toilet, changing nappies and before preparing food.
• Disinfect any surfaces or items that could be contaminated using a bleach-based household cleaner.
  Wash clothing or bedding that could be contaminated on a hot wash to kill the virus.
• Don’t share towels and flannels and keep your child’s feeding utensils separate.
• Flush any vomit or diarrhoea down the toilet and clean the area with a bleach-based household cleaner.

When should I seek help for norovirus?

You don't normally need to see your GP if your child has norovirus as there isn't a specific treatment for it. Meanwhile, if you do want to see a GP, it's best to call them or call NHS 111 if you need advice, otherwise you could put others at risk.

It's important to get medical advice if:

• Your baby has passed more than six watery stools in the past 24 hours
• If your baby has vomitted more than three times in the past 24 hours
• Your baby is less responsive, feverish or has pale skin
• Your child has symptoms of severe dehydration, such as dizziness, passing small amounts of urine or reduced consciousness
• Your child has bloody diarrhoea
• Your child's symptoms haven't started to improve after a few days
• Your child has an underlying condition such as kidney disease