Norovirus advice for children and parents

• Norovirus is now the most common pathogen (agent causing disease, in this case it is a virus) implicated in gastro-intestinal disease.
• Symptoms often start with sudden onset and/or diarrhoea. There may be fever, abdominal cramps and malaise. It is HIGHLY INFECTIOUS and spreads in food or water and from person to person.
• Cross-infection is inevitable in semi-closed environments where large numbers mingle together. Schools are common places to be affected.
• Although these infections can be extremely unpleasant, they tend to be relatively short lived and the majority of people recover after 2-3 days.
• There is no specific treatment for the illness. However, the following points should help to alleviate the symptoms.
• If you become unwell, please do not return to school.
• Plenty of fluids – Dioralyte or flat coke or lemonade can help to replace fluid and mineral loss. Rehydration is the most important aspect of recovery.
• Where possible, allocate separate bathroom facilities for the affected person, or clean down well after the infected person.
• Wipe down door handles, keyboards, remotes – anywhere the potential for cross-infection lurks.
• Ensure good hygiene practices and frequent hand washing.
• Please stay away from school until you have been free from all symptoms for at least 48 hours. This is imperative to avoid an epidemic.
• If you continue to feel unwell and you are concerned telephone your family doctor.

Yours sincerely,

Karen Steen

Head Teacher

IJS&CE