Introduction
Stomach flu, or acute gastroenteritis, is a common illness in infants and young children. It is characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes fever and abdominal pain. While most cases are mild and resolve on their own, young children are at higher risk of dehydration, which can become serious if not managed promptly.
Causes
Stomach flu in young children is most often caused by viruses, particularly rotavirus and norovirus. Bacterial infections (such as Salmonella or E. coli) and, less commonly, parasites can also be responsible. The infection spreads easily through:
- Close contact with an infected person
- Contaminated food or water
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth
Outbreaks are common in daycare centers and preschools.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can include:
- Watery diarrhea (often frequent)
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability or fussiness
- Signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urination, or lethargy)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and a physical examination. In most cases, no specific tests are needed. If symptoms are severe, prolonged, or if there is blood in the stool, a healthcare provider may order stool tests to identify the cause.
Treatment Options
The main goal of treatment is to prevent and treat dehydration:
- Offer small, frequent sips of oral rehydration solution (ORS) to replace lost fluids and electrolytes
- Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding for infants
- Gradually reintroduce regular foods as tolerated (avoid sugary drinks and fatty foods)
- Allow the child to rest
Antibiotics are not effective for viral infections and are rarely needed. Hospitalization may be required for severe dehydration or if the child cannot keep fluids down.
Prevention
Preventing stomach flu in young children involves:
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after diaper changes and before meals
- Cleaning and disinfecting toys, surfaces, and changing areas
- Avoiding sharing cups, utensils, or towels
- Ensuring safe food and water
- Vaccination against rotavirus for infants
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical attention promptly if your child:
- Shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears when crying, very little or no urination)
- Is very drowsy, difficult to wake, or unusually irritable
- Has persistent vomiting or cannot keep fluids down
- Has blood in vomit or stool
- Has a high fever or symptoms that worsen or last more than a few days
Takeaway
Stomach flu is common in young children and usually resolves with supportive care. Preventing dehydration and practicing good hygiene are key to recovery and reducing the spread of infection. Seek medical care if you notice signs of dehydration or if symptoms are severe.