Although the flu is on everyone’s mind this season, the winter vomiting bug is making its rounds. The Norovirus strand of the stomach bug can last more than 24 hours; it can last up to a week long. Bob Jones has had several cases of this sickness. ”There were about 121 students out sick on January 15 due to the virus, but it is starting to die down and we are seeing fewer people sick,” Nurse Nancy said.

Norovirus can spread quickly from person to person. The symptoms of this virus are as follows: nausea, diarrhea, and forceful vomiting. CNN reported, “Even when you are symptom-free, you can still be contagious. People with norovirus illness are contagious from the moment they begin feeling sick until at least 3 days after they recover. The norovirus illness is usually not serious.  Most people get better in 1­ to 2 days, but it can lead to severe dehydration.”

Students may get dehydrated if tey are not able to drink enough liquids to replace the fluids lost from throwing up or having diarrhea several times a day.

The best ways to stay symptom-free include handwashing and disinfecting surfaces. “We could always do a little more cleaning in the rooms, but the teachers do their best,” Nurse Bonnie stated.

Bob Jones has installed hand sanitizing stations around the school to help their students stay healthy. Everyone should take the proper precautions to stay sick free this cold winter.