Helping Your Child Through a Stomach Virus

 Vomiting and diarrhea can be tough! Especially when it’s your child that’s dealing with it. The two together are usually caused by a stomach virus (also known as stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis). I’ve seen quite a few little ones in my office recently with these symptoms. Believe me, I’m going crazy washing my hands so I don’t bring it home! I figured I’d pass on some helpful tips and information for helping your child through a stomach virus – if one hits your home.

Stomach virus symptoms

The symptoms of a stomach virus are pretty clear-cut. They include watery diarrhea, belly pain, nausea, vomiting and/or fever. The diarrhea should not be bloody. If they have bloody diarrhea, it is likely to be a bacterial, more severe infection. This includes E.Coli, Salmonella, Shigella, C. Diff, or a parasite. The symptoms of a stomach virus usually show up 1-3 days after they’re infected. Most kids can kick the virus within a day or two. But sometimes it can last for up to 10-14 days like many other viruses.

How is a stomach virus spread?

A stomach virus usually spreads through contact with an infected person (usually another kid!). It spreads easily, especially if a child with the virus uses the bathroom without washing their hands afterwards. It can also be spread through drinking water or eating foods contaminated by the virus.

Complications from a stomach virus

Healthy children and adults will likely recover from a stomach virus without any complications. But, in babies and the elderly, or those with immune deficiencies, the virus can be more serious. Dehydration is a major complication, and should be avoided at all costs. If your child has had several hours of vomiting and cannot keep even water down, they are at a higher risk of dehydration. This can also happen with severe diarrhea. Signs of dehydration include no wet diaper in 6 hours or more, sunken soft spot on the top of a baby’s head, dry mouth, no tear production, or increased sleepiness. These can be late signs of dehydration, so if any of these are present, I recommend being seen right away.

Stomach virus treatment

Since the symptoms are caused by a virus, there is no great treatment or “cure” for a stomach virus. Their body will fight the infection on its own. If your child has severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention. But, in most cases, they can be treated at home with supportive care.

If your child is vomiting, small sips of fluid are recommended every 15 minutes. Oral rehydration solutions should be given, such as Pedialyte. They help to replace electrolytes that are lost through the vomiting and diarrhea, and are also gentle on the stomach. Stay away from sugary drinks.

Once your child is keeping liquid down for 3-4 hours, it is okay to move forward with bland foods. These include bread, rice, and applesauce. Stay away from heavy, greasy, and sugary foods.

Probiotics may be helpful in the case of diarrhea. Anti-diarrheal medications are not recommended in children.

In cases of severe vomiting, your child’s doctor can prescribe anti-nausea medication to prevent dehydration.

Preventing a stomach virus

Since there is no great treatment for a stomach virus, it’s important to prevent it the best way possible. It’s pretty contagious and can spread easily within households and schools. Practicing good habits such as hand washing and good hygiene is important to decrease the spread. Also, avoid contaminated food and water, and be extra-careful when traveling.

I’m hoping I can keep the stomach virus out of my house – and you can too!

Update: Unfortunately, the stomach virus did eventually hit our house. Read all about our experience here.

Other helpful resources related to helping your child through a stomach virus:

• Stomach Virus – From A Mommy Doc Perspective
• What Do You Do When Your Kid Has The Flu?
• Why Does My Kid Keep Getting Sick?

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