The Year My Family Learned About Viral Infections the Hard Way

By: Natalie Goertz , IPAC Consulting - Infection Control

One Christmas, we gathered together for what was a perfect day. The house was filled with laughter and the smell of holiday cooking. I spent the day hugging my nieces and nephews, chatting with siblings and my parents, passing plates, and sharing dessert with everyone. As the evening wound down, my 2 year old niece became quiet upset. ?My sister said to me "I don't get it, she's been fine all day aside from a bit of diarrhea. ?She had been throwing up yesterday but today she's been fine until now" she mentioned.

My heart sank. I'd had my niece on my lap most of the day, playing games and telling stories. I knew how infectious illnesses like norovirus could spread. Sure enough, within 48 hours, all 12 of us in the house that day became sick. It was like clockwork.

That was the year my family learned, firsthand, the hard truth about viral infections.

It's a mistake most people make. Once the primary symptoms have resolved, individuals often feel it's safe to return to work or social engagements. However, this is not true for gastroenteritis. Unlike respiratory diseases, where you may be infectious before symptoms appear, with gastroenteritis, you are typically not infectious before symptoms start but can remain infectious for a period even after the initial symptoms have resolved.

The lesson became a turning point for my family. They finally understood what I had been saying for years: Viral infections like norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus spread quickly, especially during close gatherings. What makes them tricky is the incubation period—the time between exposure and when symptoms appear:

? Norovirus: 12-48 hours.

? Rotavirus: About 2 days.

? Adenovirus: 3-10 days.

Timing Is Everything

Understanding incubation periods helped my family realize that just because you feel fine doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Waiting 48 hours after symptoms subside before attending gatherings became our new rule.

OUR GIFT FOR YOU:

This holiday season, protect your loved ones from the unexpected spread of viruses. In our ?FREE “Stomach Flu” Safety Holiday Guide, we’ll show you how simple precautions can be your shield in keeping your family safe and healthy during gatherings.

Ready to stay healthy this holiday season? Let’s make sure you’re prepared! Download here!