Kids and the Stomach Bug

One of the most common complaints we see at the Loyola Immediate Care Center is gastroenteritis or the stomach bug. This is an infection of the stomach and intestines.  It can be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites.  It is a common infection in children with as many as 25 million cases occurring each year in the U.S.  Gastroenteritis in children is frequently due to viruses.  Norovirus and now less commonly rotavirus can cause gastroenteritis or stomach flu in children.  Fortunately, due to the availability of a rotavirus vaccine for infants in the U.S., cases of rotavirus have decreased significantly.

Symptoms of stomach flu can usually last up to 7 days.  They vary in severity and intensity and may include:

·         Fever

·         Body aches

·         Loss of appetite

·         Nausea and/or vomiting

·         Abdominal pain or cramping

·         Diarrhea

·         Headache   

Your child’s healthcare provider can diagnose gastroenteritis based upon physical signs and symptoms.  There are also urine, blood and stool tests that can be performed to better assess for severity of infection, complications and exact cause of infection, if needed. 

For many parents, determining when to seek medical care for their sick child can be a challenge.  It is important to seek medical care if there are the following symptoms/concerns:

• Persistent symptoms >several days
• Moderate to severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Excessive vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Blood or mucus in the stools
• Decreased appetite/poor nutrition with reduced activity level
• Decreased urination -- < 4-6 wet diapers for babies or < 6-8 episodes/day for older children
• Child has underlying medical problems that complicate illness 

The most common complication of stomach flu is dehydration.  This can range from mild to severe.  In severe cases, intravenous fluids are needed to rehydrate your child.  There are also prescription medications that can help control the symptoms of nausea and vomiting as well as over the counter probiotics that can provide some relief from diarrhea.  Anti-diarrheal medications are not typically helpful since they can actually prolong infection.

Fortunately, the majority of cases of stomach flu are mild and will spontaneously resolve without any treatment within a few days of the onset of symptoms.  In these cases, treatment is supportive and may include the following: 

•                     Plenty of rest

•                     Fluids to maintain hydration – pedialyte for babies and small children

•                     Medicines for fever and pain such as Tylenol. 

Although it may be tempting to treat your child to their favorite fast food such as McDonald’s once they’ve regained their appetite, it’s critical in the recovery process to avoid foods with a lot of fat and sugar since they can worsen symptoms.  Once your child begins to feel better and is tolerating fluids well, it is important to slowly advance his/her diet with bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. 

Three basic tips to avoid getting or spreading the stomach flu virus are:

• Washing hands frequently – this is especially critical after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before you eat
• Staying home if ill to avoid spreading infection.
• Get the Rotavirus vaccine for your infant.