Can Kids Multivitamins Help Prevent Stomach Viruses?

In the early spring, norovirus and other stomach viruses seem to appear every year. Children across the country are kept home from school because of a variety of symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. While it’s often called the stomach flu, it is not related to influenza. Rather, it’s a virus that can be easily transmitted from person to person – often from child to child in a school or daycare setting. While Norovirus is easy to catch, there are some preventative steps you can take to minimize yours and your children’s chances of getting it. From kids multivitamins to hand sanitizer, here’s what you can do to reduce your chance of your family getting the dreaded stomach bug this year.

Step 1: A Daily Habit of Kids Multivitamins
A high quality multivitamin can help boost the immune system and maintain healthy immune function all year long – even during cold and flu season. There are a lot of vitamin supplements on the market for children, so it’s wise to look closely at labels before deciding on a brand. The best options will be those kids natural vitamins that are not loaded with artificial colors and flavors.

Step 2: Regular Hand Washing
Unfortunately, taking kids multivitamins isn't going to stave off all viruses. This is why it’s essential that you and your children get into the regular habit of hand washing with both soap and water. This is the best method of preventing the transmission of a stomach virus. This should include hand washing after using the restroom, before and after meals, after handling money, and whenever you’re in contact with germs in public facilities.

Step 3: Sanitize Your Bathroom Often 
Anti-bacterial bathroom cleaner is a prime ally during this season. Spray and wipe down the toilet and counter tops on a very regular basis to prevent transmission.