Surviving the Stomach Bug: Tips to Fight Norovirus & Shigella

Attention all germaphobes and hypochondriacs, there's a stomach bug going around and it's spreading faster than a TikTok dance challenge. It could be food poisoning, but it also could be the norovirus or drug-resistant shigella back and stronger than ever. So, what can you do to protect yourself from these nasty bugs? Well, you could try avoiding public places, eating only home-cooked meals, and living in a bubble, but let's be real, that's not going to happen. The kids are going to school and they are bringing home ALL THE GERMS. So let's talk about some practical solutions.

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Kill those germs, dead.

First things first, before you go spraying your offspring down with Lysol, keep in mind that those Clorox and Lysol disinfectant wipes just won't cut it. Sure, they may kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, but the Norovirus isn't one of them. You'll need to use products that contain hydrogen peroxide or bleach to kill this little bugger before it takes out the whole family. Trust me, your stomach will thank you.

On the topic of bleach, we are big fans of Clorox bleach powder in our home. It's a game-changer when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting. Since it's a powder, you don't have to deal with the hassle of concentrated bleach splashing onto your clothes or countertops. Extra points for also being more eco-friendly than traditional bleach bottles as it reduces plastic waste. Just mix it with water and voila, you've got a powerful cleaning solution. It's perfect for disinfecting bathrooms, kitchens, and and all the things that your toddler wants to put in their mouths.

Sustainable Laundry

Next up, let's talk about laundry. After the third projectile vomit session of the evening, some may be tempted to just burn it all down, but we opted for doing a late night load in the wash. If you're lucky, you have a machine in your home, but we live in a New York City apartment with laundry in the basement so the following laundry essentials are a must for us.

Lugging a heavy Costco sized bottle of detergent up and down with loads of laundry is out of the question. That's where Dropps laundry pods come in. These little pods pack a powerful punch and will leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean. Use hot water and the sanitize cycle if possible to really kill those germs. These pods are designed to be environmentally friendly, using less plastic and producing less waste than traditional liquid detergents. They also come in compostable packaging, making them an eco-conscious choice for your regular laundry routine. We have tested out their whole line up of laundry pods from Stain & Odor pods, Sensitive skin, Oxibooster bleach alternative, and our favorite Active Wash designed specifically for clothing designed from high tech fibers. All of them have been gentle enough for our son's eczema prone skin, and powerful enough to knock out the smells from our workout clothes.

Here are a couple other ways to make your laundry routine more eco-friendly and save money. Wool laundry balls are a great alternative to dryer sheets. They help speed up drying time, reduce static, and can be reused over and over again. Plus, since they're made from natural materials, they're a more sustainable choice.

And if you're looking to ditch traditional detergent altogether, magnesium beads might be the solution for you. Magnesium is a natural mineral that can effectively clean clothes without the need for harsh chemicals. These beads can be reused for up to 150 loads of laundry, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. They work best if you have a machine that allows a longer soaking period.

Finally, be prepared for middle of the night puking or worse, diarrhea. Consider investing in a waterproof mattress or mattress liner. This is clutch during the potty training years, but continues to be a lifesaver when the stomach bug returns year after year.

Final pro laundry tip for apartment dwellers: a laundry hamper with wheels. With a family of four we are looking at a minimum of three massive loads of laundry a week. Having a hamper on wheels will save your back. This one with three removable baskets is perfect for when you only need to do an emergency load.

The Norovirus can survive on surfaces for weeks, and may be a tough opponent, but with the right tools and a little bit of caution, you can beat it. Let's show this bug who's boss!