What to Do If Your Child Has a Stomach Bug

The stomach flu: two dreaded words for parents everywhere. This common illness can happen to both adults and children, but kids may catch it more easily — because despite your best efforts, they may touch everything, share food, and not wash their hands often enough.

Babies can also get the stomach flu — perhaps because at a certain age, they put everything in their mouths.

Also called the “stomach bug” and viral gastroenteritis, the stomach flu typically clears up on its own. In fact, the vast majority of kids with the stomach flu won’t need to see a doctor.

But unfortunately, the viruses that cause the stomach flu get around pretty quickly — so if you’re dealing with this now, you may want to stay home and cancel plans for the next few days or so.

What is the stomach flu?

The stomach “flu” isn’t actually the flu — and it isn’t caused by the same influenza viruses that normally cause the flu. The real flu attacks your breathing system — nose, throat, and lungs. The stomach flu goes straight — and mercilessly — for the intestines.

The stomach flu is usually caused by one of three viruses:

  • norovirus
  • rotavirus
  • adenovirus

The norovirus is the most common cause of the stomach flu in kids under the age of 5 years. This virus gives up to 21 million people the stomach flu every year. It also leads to about a million visits to the pediatrician every year in the United States.

These viruses act fast — your child may get sick only a day or two after catching one. The stomach flu is also very contagious. If one child has it, chances are you and/or other children in your house will be sharing it within the week.

Other kinds of gastrointestinal infections are caused by bacteria. This includes food poisoning, which has slightly different symptoms than the stomach flu.

Symptoms of the stomach flu

The stomach flu typically causes two other dreaded things for parents (and children): vomiting and diarrhea. In fact, the stomach flu usually looks a lot worse than it is. Your baby or child may have cycles of vomiting and diarrhea for about 24 hours.

If your child has the stomach flu, they may have hard-to-miss signs and symptoms like:

  • diarrhea (usually watery and sometimes explosive)
  • stomach pain and cramps
  • fever (usually mild and sometimes nonexistent)
  • chills
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • poor appetite
  • headache pain
  • muscle aches
  • stiff joints
  • tiredness
  • sleepiness

Treatment for the stomach flu

Most babies and kids won’t need treatment for the stomach flu. There’s no specific treatment for the viruses that cause it. (Keep in mind that antibiotics only work against bacteria — they can’t treat viruses.)

Unless your doctor recommends it, don’t give your child antidiarrheal and anti- nausea medications. Although it doesn’t seem like it, some diarrhea and throwing up can be good because it’s part of getting rid of the virus.

Your doctor might recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to make your child more comfortable.

You can give babies over the age of 6 months pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Ask your pediatrician about the exact dosage. Too much pain relief medication can make babies ill.

Never give aspirin to babies and children. Aspirin and children (and even teenagers) don’t mix. It can lead to a condition called Reye’s syndrome.

Home remedies for the stomach flu

Several home remedies can help make your baby or child (and you!) more comfortable while dealing with the stomach flu.

How long does it last?

Stay strong — most kids get over the stomach flu within 24 to 48 hours. Some children may have symptoms for up to 10 days.

When to see a doctor

The stomach flu may cause severe diarrhea, but there shouldn’t be blood in it. Blood in your child’s urine or bowel movements might be a sign of a more serious infection. Call your child’s pediatrician immediately.

Too much diarrhea and vomiting can sometimes lead to dehydration. Call your doctor immediately for dehydration signs in your baby or toddler like:

  • dark urine
  • dry diaper for 8 to 12 hours
  • excessive sleepiness
  • crying without tears or weak crying
  • fast breathing
  • fast heart rate

Also call your child’s pediatrician if they have signs of a more serious illness, like:

  • a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
  • severe stomach pain or discomfort
  • stiff neck or body
  • severe tiredness or irritability
  • not responding to you

Preventing the stomach flu

You might not be able to stop your child (or yourself) from catching the stomach flu — but you can try. You can at least prevent it from happening as often.

The best way to prevent the stomach flu is wash your hands — and wash them again. Teach your child how to wash their hands properly and to wash them often. Use warm water and soap. Set a timer or have your child sing as song so that they scrub their hands for at least 20 seconds.

Here are more ways to help prevent your child from catching and spreading the virus:

  • Keep your sick child home and away from other children.
  • Teach your child to wash their hands properly several times a day, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
  • Show your child how they can cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or the inner side of their elbow when sneezing and coughing.
  • Tell your child not to share drink boxes, bottles, spoons, and other eating utensils.
  • Clean hard surfaces like counters and nightstands with a mixture of detergent, vinegar, and water. Some viruses can survive for up to 24 hours on hard surfaces and even on clothing.
  • Wash your child’s toys in warm soapy water regularly, especially if the stomach flu or other viruses are going around.
  • Use separate bathroom towels for each family member.

The takeaway

The stomach flu is a common illness in babies and children. Although it pains us to say it, you’ll likely have to go through this more than once with your child. Chances are, you’ll catch the virus too.

It’s hard on moms and dads to see a baby or child sick, so try some of the remedies above to keep them comfortable — and take heart knowing that the bug usually passes quickly. Trust your parental instincts, and talk to your child’s pediatrician if it lingers or symptoms get more serious.

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