3 years ago we all got the Noro Virus and it was awful! It was the first time Nicki and Jo had gotten a stomach bug….and we were no where near prepared! I had no idea how to handle little kids and a stomach bug. It would have been bad if they had just gotten it, but we all had it! I am a huge proponent of learning lessons from situations, no matter if they are good or bad situations. And boy did I learn a lot!
Know What You Are Dealing With
Understanding what a stomach virus is and how it works helps to make surviving it go smoother. Here are some facts about stomach bugs. The fecal matter and vomit are contagious. Stomach bugs are not contagious until the virus comes out of the hosts body. Keep in mind that it only takes a microscopic amount to get a person sick. This is why clean up is so important.
Symptoms
Stomach bugs are crafty viruses. There are no clear cut symptoms per say, but here are some things that we pay attention to in order to prepare. No appetite and no bowel movements. Once the virus has entered the body, it quickly converts any food that is in the host’s digestive system into more virus. This makes the host not hungry and not able to go to the bathroom. We do the ice cream/cookie test with the kids when they say they aren’t hungry. If they haven’t been themselves, haven’t gone poop, and don’t want to eat we ask them if they want ice cream or a cookie. If they say “no”, chances are they have a stomach bug. That’s when we start preparing…getting the “puke bucket” ready! Keep in mind, sometimes there are no warning signs!!
Cleaning Products
Anyone that knows me, knows that my cleaning closet is filled with organic cleaners derived from natural plant products. Well let me tell you, the stomach virus laughs at these! These products are great for daily cleaning…and the ones that kill bacteria are great to use in the kitchen, but they are still no match for a stomach bug! Having the correct cleaning products on hand is key! On the top shelf of the cleaning closet sits my army of chemical wonders waiting patiently in their plastic bottles ready to go at the first sign of vomit! What do I use? Lysol with peroxide. Peroxide is great for killing the stomach bug and it won’t stain.
Clean Correctly
Several people have told me that a stomach bug will go around their house a few times. This does not have to happen! When cleaning an area that has been infected follow these steps. 1. Control the area. Make sure no one walks in, walks by, or touches anything near the area. 2. Get all of the fecal matter or vomit cleaned up first. Do this as carefully as possible. Use paper towels and put everything in a double bagged plastic bag. 3. Once everything has been cleaned up, spray the entire area (and then some) with the Lysol spray and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This will insure it kills the virus. 4. Once the 10 minutes is up, spray again and wipe with paper towels. Discard paper towels. 5. Wash your hands after cleaning the mess. Or even take a shower! Anyone that comes in contact with the virus takes a shower in our house. Not a bath, a shower! You want to make sure you wash the virus away!
Sonnes 7
I found out about this product when Joey was about 1 and was having horrible stomach issues. It is a life saver! If some one in the house starts to show signs of the stomach bug, we all take Sonnes 7. Look into Sonnes 7 and see if it a fit for you and your family.
Sonne’s Detoxificant Liquid Hydrated Bentonite Clay is a natural and powerful detoxicant derived from bentonite, a mineral-rich volcanic clay.
Laundry
Make sure to wash blankets, sheets, towels, clothes, and anything that you suspect has vomit or fecal matter on it! I usually run the rinse cycle first. To make sure all the “stuff” is off. Then I run the wash cycle. Our washer has a place to add bleach…and I always add bleach to the cycle. After the clothes are clean, do not shake them out before putting them in the dryer. The virus could still be on them and you don’t want to spread it.
Hydrate!!!!!
This is so important. The number one reason for hospitalization for a stomach virus is dehydration. We found a great product at Target for hydrating! It’s called B.R.A.T Feel Better Drink. It tastes really good and helps to hydrate. There are other options available. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Lysol Bomb
If a room has been exposed to the virus…someone threw up or had diarrhea in that room, I Lysol bomb the room after cleaning it. I spray all the surface areas with Lysol Disinfect Spray, open the windows, and shut the door. I am not a fan of the smell of Lysol but it’s better then spreading the virus!!!
Best of luck surviving the stomach virus season!! Hang in there and know it won’t last forever…you will get through it! You may even get some funny stories to tell down the road. They may not seem funny now, but some day you will look back and laugh….hopefully!!!
Boogers & Baby Wipes 