Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Could Your Child’s Upset Stomach Be A Norovirus Infection? Watch For These Red Flags

Norovirus infection is on the rise globally, raising concerns for parents as children are particularly susceptible to this highly infectious virus. Easily confused with ordinary stomach flu, norovirus brings sudden and severe episodes of vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. With cases peaking in the UK and elsewhere in the world, it is important to know the signs and act fast to avoid the spread of this disease.

The most recent statistics from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show a dramatic rise in norovirus infections. During the two weeks between February 3 and 16, 2025, confirmed cases increased by 29.4% over the previous fortnight, twice the five-season average for the two-week period. Hospitals and care homes have been worst affected, with the infections being most common among the elderly. Whereas cases normally fall with better weather, the current season is being particularly unpredictable.

The spike is caused by the increase of two prevalent genotypes—GII.17 and GII.4, according to health professionals. Most cases (76%) were accounted for by GII.17 before, but its percentage decreased to 59% as GII.4 infection levels have almost doubled from 10% to 29% within three months. This indicates that people who already have norovirus this season may get reinfected with another strain.

<h2>What is Norovirus and How Does it Impact Children?</h2>

Norovirus is a contagious virus that leads to gastroenteritis, causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Norovirus alone infects more than 20 million people annually in the United States, which makes it the leading cause of illness related to the stomach.

Children are especially at risk because of close contact at schools, childcare facilities, and playgrounds. The virus gets transmitted easily from direct contact with an infected person, infected surface, and ingesting contaminated food or beverages. Infants and toddlers, with a habit of putting hands and objects into mouths, are additionally at risk.

<h2>Symptoms of <span rel="noindex">Norovirus in Children</span></h2>

Early identification of <span>norovirus symptoms</span> will go a long way in treating the illness successfully. Some of the common symptoms include:

<ul><li>Nausea and vomiting – More common in children than adults.</li><li>Watery diarrhea – May cause dehydration if not well taken care of.</li><li>Stomach cramps and pain – Usually intense and sudden.</li><li>Mild fever and body aches – May be confused with flu.</li><li>Sudden development of illness – Symptoms develop 24-48 hours after exposure and persist 1-3 days.</li></ul>

Notably, norovirus is still infectious for three days after the symptoms have vanished and thus isolation is very important to avoid further transmission.

<h2>What's The Biggest Concern for Young Children?</h2>

Dehydration is the most immediate threat posed by norovirus, particularly among infants and young children. As children quickly lose fluids from diarrhea and vomiting, parents must observe warning symptoms of severe dehydration such as:

<ul><li>Dry mouth and tongue</li><li>Decreased urine output (fewer wet diapers in an infant)</li><li>Not crying tears</li><li>Sunken soft spot on the top of a baby's head (fontanelle)</li><li>Irritability, drowsiness, or lethargy</li></ul>

If your child shows these signs, get them to the doctor right away.

<h2>How to Care for a Child with Norovirus?</h2>

There is no treatment for norovirus, but supportive therapy can make symptoms more manageable and avoid complications.

Have your child drink small amounts of fluids like water, coconut water, or oral rehydration drinks like Pedialyte®. Breastfeeding infants should be kept on breast milk, but formula-fed babies can receive additional fluid support as directed by a physician.

<strong>2. Gradually Reintroduce Food</strong>

After vomiting stops, reintroduce easily digestible foods:

<ul><li>Clear broths, ice pops, and gelatin to hydrate</li><li>Plain foods such as dry cereal, toast, crackers, pasta, or pretzels</li><li>The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) to calm the stomach</li><li>Dairy, fatty, or highly spiced foods should be avoided until digestion returns to normal.</li></ul>

Because norovirus produces fatigue, rest is needed for recovery. Keep your child comfortable with warm blankets (not for infants), disinfected toys and games, and quiet things to do such as books or cartoons.

<h2>Essential Hygiene Practices to Prevent Norovirus</h2>

It may not be easy to completely avoid norovirus during an outbreak, but you can markedly lower the risk by taking these preventive measures:

<strong>1. Practice Frequent Handwashing</strong>

The most efficient prevention of norovirus is handwashing with warm soapy water. Sanitizers don't destroy the virus, so get kids to wash their hands:

<ul><li>After toilet use</li><li>Before meals</li><li>After handling common surfaces or toys</li></ul>

<strong>2. Clean High-Touch Surfaces</strong>

Norovirus lasts on surfaces for days. Clean doorknobs, tables, toys, toilets, and diaper-changing stations frequently using bleach-based disinfectants.

Norovirus is transmitted by contaminated food and beverages. Be careful as follows:

<ul><li>Wash produce thoroughly.</li><li>Cook seafood through.</li><li>Do not prepare food if you or your child are ill.</li></ul>

<strong>4. Keep Sick Children Home</strong>

If your child gets norovirus, keep your child out of school and daycare until the child is symptom-free for 48 hours. This keeps others from getting infected.

Although most norovirus infections get better on their own, call your pediatrician if your child:

<ul><li>Cannot retain liquids over 24 hours</li><li>Vomits or has diarrhea containing blood</li><li>Demonstrates evidence of severe dehydration</li><li>Has an unrelenting high fever</li><li>Acts extremely lethargic or is unresponsive</li></ul>

Norovirus is an uncomfortable, fast-spreading illness that can take a young child down. Although most instances will pass in a few days, dehydration is a serious concern, so rest and hydration become priorities. Recognizing the signs, following good hygiene, and avoiding exposure are good ways to protect your child during norovirus outbreaks. In the case of severe symptoms, get immediate medical care.

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Norovirus infection is on the rise globally, raising concerns for parents as children are particularly susceptible to this highly infectious virus. Easily confused with ordinary stomach flu, norovirus brings sudden and severe episodes of vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. With cases peaking in the UK and elsewhere in the world, it is important to know the signs and act fast to avoid the spread of this disease.The most recent statistics from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show a dramatic rise in norovirus infections. During the two weeks between February 3 and 16, 2025, confirmed cases increased by 29.4% over the previous fortnight, twice the five-season average for the two-week period. Hospitals and care homes have been worst affected, with the infections being most common among the elderly. Whereas cases normally fall with better weather, the current season is being particularly unpredictable.The spike is caused by the increase of two prevalent genotypes—GII.17 and GII.4, according to health professionals. Most cases (76%) were accounted for by GII.17 before, but its percentage decreased to 59% as GII.4 infection levels have almost doubled from 10% to 29% within three months. This indicates that people who already have norovirus this season may get reinfected with another strain.What is Norovirus and How Does it Impact Children?Norovirus is a contagious virus that leads to gastroenteritis, causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Norovirus alone infects more than 20 million people annually in the United States, which makes it the leading cause of illness related to the stomach.Children are especially at risk because of close contact at schools, childcare facilities, and playgrounds. The virus gets transmitted easily from direct contact with an infected person, infected surface, and ingesting contaminated food or beverages. Infants and toddlers, with a habit of putting hands and objects into mouths, are additionally at risk.Symptoms of Norovirus in ChildrenEarly identification of norovirus symptoms will go a long way in treating the illness successfully. Some of the common symptoms include:Nausea and vomiting – More common in children than adults.Watery diarrhea – May cause dehydration if not well taken care of.Stomach cramps and pain – Usually intense and sudden.Mild fever and body aches – May be confused with flu.Sudden development of illness – Symptoms develop 24-48 hours after exposure and persist 1-3 days.Notably, norovirus is still infectious for three days after the symptoms have vanished and thus isolation is very important to avoid further transmission.What's The Biggest Concern for Young Children?Dehydration is the most immediate threat posed by norovirus, particularly among infants and young children. As children quickly lose fluids from diarrhea and vomiting, parents must observe warning symptoms of severe dehydration such as:Dry mouth and tongueDecreased urine output (fewer wet diapers in an infant)Not crying tearsSunken soft spot on the top of a baby's head (fontanelle)Irritability, drowsiness, or lethargyIf your child shows these signs, get them to the doctor right away.How to Care for a Child with Norovirus?There is no treatment for norovirus, but supportive therapy can make symptoms more manageable and avoid complications.1. Hydrate Your ChildHave your child drink small amounts of fluids like water, coconut water, or oral rehydration drinks like Pedialyte®. Breastfeeding infants should be kept on breast milk, but formula-fed babies can receive additional fluid support as directed by a physician.2. Gradually Reintroduce FoodAfter vomiting stops, reintroduce easily digestible foods:Clear broths, ice pops, and gelatin to hydratePlain foods such as dry cereal, toast, crackers, pasta, or pretzelsThe BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) to calm the stomachDairy, fatty, or highly spiced foods should be avoided until digestion returns to normal.3. Allow Plenty of RestBecause norovirus produces fatigue, rest is needed for recovery. Keep your child comfortable with warm blankets (not for infants), disinfected toys and games, and quiet things to do such as books or cartoons.Essential Hygiene Practices to Prevent NorovirusIt may not be easy to completely avoid norovirus during an outbreak, but you can markedly lower the risk by taking these preventive measures:1. Practice Frequent HandwashingThe most efficient prevention of norovirus is handwashing with warm soapy water. Sanitizers don't destroy the virus, so get kids to wash their hands:After toilet useBefore mealsAfter handling common surfaces or toys2. Clean High-Touch SurfacesNorovirus lasts on surfaces for days. Clean doorknobs, tables, toys, toilets, and diaper-changing stations frequently using bleach-based disinfectants.3. Safe Food HandlingNorovirus is transmitted by contaminated food and beverages. Be careful as follows:Wash produce thoroughly.Cook seafood through.Do not prepare food if you or your child are ill.4. Keep Sick Children HomeIf your child gets norovirus, keep your child out of school and daycare until the child is symptom-free for 48 hours. This keeps others from getting infected.When to Call a DoctorAlthough most norovirus infections get better on their own, call your pediatrician if your child:Cannot retain liquids over 24 hoursVomits or has diarrhea containing bloodDemonstrates evidence of severe dehydrationHas an unrelenting high feverActs extremely lethargic or is unresponsiveNorovirus is an uncomfortable, fast-spreading illness that can take a young child down. Although most instances will pass in a few days, dehydration is a serious concern, so rest and hydration become priorities. Recognizing the signs, following good hygiene, and avoiding exposure are good ways to protect your child during norovirus outbreaks. In the case of severe symptoms, get immediate medical care.