5 Things Wyoming Moms and Dads Can Do When the Norovirus Attacks

I mentioned on-air yesterday that as soon as I was done working I was rushing to my child's school because he had thrown up.

First, apologies abound to our bus driver, you will be getting an AMAZING end of year gift I promise.

Second, hang on to your hats folks, cause it's about to get real.

As a mom of five children, I am no stranger to the Norovirus aka the dreaded stomach bug. I can't even tell you how many times I have had this work its way through our entire family. When one kid shows the first symptoms it's a waiting game to see who is next. In times like this, you can find me lighting candles at our church and praying that my husband and I stay sickness free...or at least get it at different times.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Millions of people get sick from norovirus each year. It causes sudden vomiting and diarrhea, and spreads quickly and easily to other people.

Sound familiar?

Based on my Facebook feed the Norovirus is working its way through both Natrona and Converse County.

So, I thought I would share some of my hard earned wisdom with you in the hopes that if when the Norovirus hits your family you will be prepared.

1. Get ready with barf buckets, clean sheets, and blankets. I'm not sure why, but the Norovirus always shows up between the hours of 4 and 8 am in my house. With a solid 75% of the vomiting occurring in my children's beds. When I know we are getting ready for an epic battle of mom vs. stomach bug, I make sure all of our extra sheets and blankets are clean and ready to go. I also get ready with a stack of barf buckets (or in our house big Tupperware containers).

2. Stock up on clear liquids, chicken soup, and crackers. When you're sick with the Norovirus staying hydrated is the key to recovery. Even if it's going to come back up in 30 minutes, it's important to keep your family drinking fluids. I also stand by the BRAT diet and the healing properties of chicken noodle soup.

3. Clean, clean, clean. However, you choose to disinfect your house, do it often during this time. Bleach wipes and a diffuser with essential oils are my main line of defense. Now that the weather is a bit nicer I also have the windows open so the Wyoming wind can blow those stomach bugs away (you never know, it just might work). Oh, and don't forget to wash your hands often!

4. Rest. Trying to keep my kids still is one of the hardest parts of fighting the stomach bug, especially when they are on the mend. Health professionals agree that proper rest can boost your immune system and help you feel better soon. Keep in mind too, the more exhausted you are the more likely you are to succumb to the illness yourself.

5. Try not to stress. We all know it's inevitable, at some point you and your family are going to get sick. Missed work, seeing your kids uncomfortable and in pain, and the exhaustion of it all can stress even the most seasoned mom or dad out! Take a deep breath and try to relax. If you're stuck at home for a few days taking care of sick kids use the time to tackle a few projects, reduce those never-ending piles of laundry, or catch up on some fun TV time with your kids!

NOTE: I am not a trained medical professional, just a mom that has been barfed on a few thousand times.