Winter Illnesses

Winter illness is in full swing. In addition to high rates of respiratory illness, norovirus is on the rise in the Northeast.  

Norovirus 

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States. People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus, which spreads very easily and quickly. Hand sanitizer does NOT prevent spread of Norovirus. 

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after using the bathroom, touching common surfaces, shaking hands, caring for the sick, and before eating, preparing or handling food or medicine.

It is important to continue washing your hands often even after you feel better. Norovirus can be found in your vomit or feces (poop) even before you start feeling sick. The virus can also stay in your poop for two weeks or more after you feel better, and you can still spread norovirus during that time. You can use hand sanitizers in addition to hand washing with soap, but hand sanitizer is not a substitute for soap handwashing, which is best.

General illness guidelines for when to keep your child home

Consider keeping your child at home for extra rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:

• Very stuffy or runny nose and/or cough

• Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)

• Headache 

• Stomachache

Definitely keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms: 

• Fever (greater than 100.4 degrees and your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100.4 degrees, for a minimum of 24 hours) 

• Vomiting (even once, must be vomit free for 24 hours before returning)

• Diarrhea 

• Chills

• General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches 

• Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough

Thank you for your continued commitment to keep our school healthy!

For questions, please reach out to Julia Bugeau-Heartt at jbugeau-heartt@gus.org.