Norovirus Is Surging, Here's How To Avoid It!

TOP OF MIND

Okay, let's talk about the norovirus... ugh!
Unfortunately, the nasty stomach bug is surging right now. According to the CDC, there were 91 outbreaks reported by state health departments during the week of Dec. 5.

That's up from 69 the week prior.

And officials are concerned because in the past several years, the number of outbreaks has failed to crack 70 during the first week of December. Chances are, the number is actually higher because only 15 states participate in the National Outbreak Reporting System.

The important bits
Norovirus is an extremely contagious illness causing diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Most people start to improve in a few days, but even after you feel better, you can still spread the illness.

This brings us to prevention.

The best prevention is (and will always be) proper hand washing. This means rinsing and scrubbing with soap and water, especially before putting your fingers anywhere near your mouth.

A lot of people think that hand sanitizer is enough, but studies have found that it actually does a poor job of killing the germs associated with the virus.

Additionally, don't share food or drinks with people. If a person in your home does come down with the illness, make sure to wash their sheets and clothes in hot water.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when trying to prevent the spread of the virus? Continue washing your hands and avoid sharing anything with family members for two weeks after you get it. You'll likely feel better long before two weeks, but the virus can remain with you.

What's it all mean?
No one wants to start off 2025 locked in the bathroom. Wash those hands! Don't share food or drinks with people who could be infected. Of course, sometimes all the protection in the world is not enough. If you do catch it, the most important thing you can do is stay hydrated, even when your body is saying, "No more!"

ONE MORE WEEK TO ENTER OUR $100 GIVEAWAY

If you haven't already, please click here to complete our brief survey. Your input helps us serve you better, and as a thank-you, we're giving away two $50 Amazon gift cards!

Simply fill out the survey, and you'll be entered into the drawing. Winners will be notified by email next week.

DID YOU HEAR (BEST OF 2024 EDITION!)

💄 Best beauty products
The lovely editors over at Vogue were nice enough to put together a list of the 65 best beauty products of 2024. Some of our favorites from the list include, this $15 L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Mascara, this Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum, and this Clarins Hydrating Lip Comfort Oil. To check out the full list of products, click here.

💁‍♀️ Best parenting advice
Obviously, the best parenting advice is subjective, but TODAY tried to do a collection of some of the best parenting advice they've received throughout the year. Our favorite on the list is to "give authentic praise" to your kids. To find out the rest, click here.

📚 Best parenting books
Some really smart people compiled a list of their favorite parenting books of 2024. The list includes one of our favorites, Raising Securely Attached Kids by Eli Harwood. Check out the full list here.

📈 Top 'Gen Alpha' trends
Tired of your kids using language you don't understand? Like, why do they keep asking you if you're sigma? Get hip here.

👨‍💻 Our most clicked link of 2024 was...
These 20 baby names are going extinct.

DOSE OF GOOD

@barstoolsports

Lil bro forgot the pin 🤣 @Spinnin Backfist (via:@Tenika | SAHM | Sports Mom)

BITES WITH KIYAH

As 2024 comes to a close, I've been reflecting on our family's eating habits. Some foods continue in heavy – nearly weekly – rotation (pizza, charcuterie, rice bowls, baked salmon + a veg, quesadillas, chocolate chip cookies) while some are consistent but seasonal (grilled burgers, caprese, butternut squash or chicken noodle soup).

But we've also done a decent job of trying new recipes and wrapping those into our family dinners. I've pulled some of our favorites into a Best of 2024 Pinterest board for you, in case 2025 has you looking for some new meal ideas.

Check out the tastiness here.

HERE’S A QUESTION

According to a recent report, U.S. teens are consuming significantly less alcohol and cigarettes. From 2000 to 2024, the percentage of 12th graders consuming alcohol dropped from 73% to 42%. In 10th graders, the percentage fell from 65% to 26%.

Two weeks ago, we asked if you prefer taking your kids to the Mall Santa or if you hire a private Santa for a photoshoot, and you were split evenly! 50-50. The debate continues!