As norovirus season peaks, what can be done to prevent the spread?

BOSTON — The norovirus is hitting local schools and homes hard this year.

As desperate families and administrators scramble to find out what they can do to stop the spread,  FOX25 talked to experts to find out what your best protection is against this highly contagious virus.

Double trouble

The Baker family in Medfield has already dealt with the norovirus twice this season.

"It's been really hard to keep on top of it when everyone has it, and it keeps spreading," said mom Julie Baker.
She and her daughter Sophie were sick at Thanksgiving... and then again this month.

Will caught the stomach bug on his 7th birthday. "The stomach bug is no good!" Will said.

"You can't move. You're between the bed and the bathroom all the time.  It's exhausting," his mother said.

Julie says more than half of the student's in Will's class fell victim in February.

Schools: A breeding ground

The norovirus also tore through Bridge elementary in Lexington this year.

"The onset was so quick," said Superintendent Dr. Mary Czajkowski.

On Wednesday, kids started lining up at the nurse's office. On Thursday, 128 students were out sick.

By Friday, 200 students were out, and the school took swift action.  Over the weekend, an environmental cleaning company lined up in front of bridge elementary and went to work.

The best weapon

Experts say bleach is the best to truly ensure this hearty virus is killed.

Dr. Lois Lee in Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital tells FOX25, this time of the year is the worst for the norovirus.

"It is probably one of the most contagious virus that's out there. It really doesn't take a lot of exposure," said Dr. Lee.

She says there's no easy way to tell the norovirus apart from another stomach bug.  At this time of the year though, it is the likely culprit.  There is no specific treatment for the virus, so your best bet is to protect yourself from the catching the virus in the first place.

Dr. Lee says there's no scientific evidence to prove that any home remedies like drinking grape juice or spraying lavender will work.

She recommends isolating the patient, since they can still be contagious even 48 hours after they start to feel better.

Washing hands often with soap and water, not just hand sanitizer, and cleaning surfaces and clothes with bleach is also recommended.

Those tips and a quick response by Bridge Elementary in Lexington helped the norovirus outbreak there subside quickly.

Treating the symptoms

Most healthy children and adults are able to manage their symptoms at home.

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But Dr. Lee says you should call your physician if you see signs of severe dehydration.

In the video below, Dr. Lee explains why your kids may need more than just water to avoid dehydration.

Cox Media Group