I’m knocking on wood just to write this. I’m hoping I don’t jinx myself by talking about the stomach bug. I once read that the virus was tested on a surface for two weeks and still came back positive, and testing stopped after that. It’s a nasty little germ.
If you’ve never had to deal with it, consider yourself lucky. For those of us whose child brings the stomach bug home and it sweeps through the family, this post is for you. I dislike using the word “hate,” but I truly hate the stomach bug — it is awful. Every time my child came home sick, it felt like a countdown until the whole house was affected. Not anymore. I’ve learned several practical ways to keep the bug from spreading.
First rule of Puke Club: No kissing
I know that sounds harsh — and it goes against the instinct to comfort your child — but imagine how helpful you are if you end up on the bathroom floor sick yourself. If you become ill, you can’t care for the child who needs you. I used to cuddle my sick child and then I’d be sick within 24 hours and essentially useless. Do not kiss or hug your child when they are actively vomiting.
Second rule of Puke Club: Use disposable gloves
Keep a box of disposable gloves on hand — they’re lifesavers. When you hear that dreaded retching sound, put gloves on immediately and have a trash can ready so you can dispose of anything contaminated without touching other surfaces with the gloves on. Avoid cross-contamination at all costs.
Third rule of Puke Club: Hand sanitizer is essential
Every time you remove gloves, wash your hands thoroughly and apply antibacterial hand sanitizer — even up your forearms if needed. I also sanitize phones and remote controls after caring for a sick child. Hand hygiene is critical to stopping the spread.
Fourth rule of Puke Club: Use disposable cups
Disposable cups — think Red Solo cups — are great when a child needs Pedialyte or electrolyte drinks. Serve fluids in a throwaway cup and, when finished, put gloves on and toss the cup. This prevents germs from getting into the kitchen sink and onto shared dishes.
Fifth rule of Puke Club: Use disinfectant generously
Disinfectant spray such as Lysol is your best friend. After any vomiting or diarrhea incident, spray down the entire bathroom — toilet, floor, sink, light switches, doorknobs — while wearing gloves. Let the disinfectant sit for at least 15 minutes before wiping up any residue. If more incidents occur, spray again and repeat the process. Layering disinfectant and allowing it to work helps reduce lingering germs.
Sixth rule of Puke Club: Quarantine the sick
Keep the sick child confined to a single bedroom and bathroom. Don’t feel guilty — when they are ill they are mostly resting anyway. Limiting their movement helps prevent the virus from spreading through the house and reduces the areas you need to disinfect.
Seventh rule of Puke Club: Careful handling of bedding and laundry
When changing bedding, put on a fresh pair of gloves and avoid holding contaminated linens close to your body when carrying them to the laundry. Open the washing machine ahead of time so you can deposit items without touching other surfaces. After removing gloves, sanitize your hands and consider washing the clothes you were wearing as a precaution.
Eighth rule of Puke Club: Sanitize supplies
Put on fresh gloves and disinfect any cleaning bottles or supplies you used, letting the disinfectant sit for 15 minutes. If the disinfectant can is contaminated or empty, dispose of it and replace it. Keeping your supplies clean prevents recontamination.
So far my child has had the stomach bug twice this year and, by following these eight rules, the rest of the family avoided catching it. I hope these tips help you protect your household. Do you have any additional strategies that have worked for your family when fighting this awful virus?