As winter progresses, norovirus, often referred to as the “stomach flu,” becomes more common. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, with symptoms typically appearing 12 to 48 hours after exposure. The virus spreads easily through contaminated surfaces, direct contact with an infected person, or consuming contaminated food or water.
Norovirus is not new; it was first identified in 1968 and re-emerges seasonally, typically from November to April. School nurse Cathy Collins explained that norovirus is a frequent concern this time of year, though it is sometimes mistaken for food poisoning due to similar symptoms. The biggest concern for healthy individuals is dehydration.
“Norovirus is a virus that causes extreme vomiting and diarrhea,” Collins said. “For normal, healthy people, the biggest risk is dehydration, so you want to stay hydrated. If you lose too many fluids, it can become dangerous.”
Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and a low-grade fever. The virus causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to rapid fluid loss. While symptoms usually last 12 to 24 hours, people can remain contagious for up to two weeks after recovering.
“You can develop symptoms anywhere from 12 to 48 hours after exposure,” Collins said. “It only takes one droplet—if you drink after someone, if someone sneezes or coughs near you, you can get sick. It spreads quickly. In extreme cases, a person can lose several pounds in a matter of hours due to vomiting and diarrhea.”
Preventing the spread of norovirus requires proper hygiene. Hand sanitizer alone does not kill the virus—only soap and water effectively eliminate norovirus. Students are advised to wash their hands thoroughly, especially before eating or after using the restroom.
“You should wash your hands thoroughly—singing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice is a good way to time it,” Collins said. “Hand sanitizer will not kill norovirus alone. Soap and water are the only way to eliminate the virus. It spreads quickly in schools, long-term care facilities, and other crowded places. Wash your hands, don’t share food, and avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.”
While norovirus is not uncommon in schools during the winter months, good hand hygiene, sufficient sleep, and healthy eating habits can help students stay well.
