By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH 

 Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO

The stomach flu, known as infectious gastroenteritis, is a common condition that usually includes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While referred to as a “flu,” it is not related to the influenza virus and is most often caused by norovirus or rotavirus.1

Stomach viruses like these are very common in children. They are highly contagious and can quickly spread through concentrated environments like schools or daycare centers. 

This article will describe the common symptoms of stomach viruses in children, treatments, and when to take your child to see a healthcare professional.

What Is Stomach Flu?

The stomach flu is caused by a contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can be spread by direct contact with a sick individual or through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Because children frequently put their fingers and hands in their mouths, they are at an increased risk of contracting norovirus and rotavirus.2 

Norovirus outbreaks are most common from November through April. Children are most likely to come down with rotavirus in the months of January to June. Common settings include daycare centers, schools, healthcare facilities, restaurants, catered events, and cruise ships.3 

Each year, an estimated 19 million to 21 million Americans will have a case of norovirus. It is responsible for 465,000 emergency room visits and 2.27 million outpatient clinic visits each year. Most of these visits are for young children.4 Rotavirus leads to 200,000 emergency room visits and 400,000 outpatient clinic visits in children under 5 years old annually.5 

Symptoms

Symptoms of the stomach flu usually develop about 12–48 hours after exposure to the virus. Most people experience symptoms of norovirus for about one to three days and rotavirus for three to eight days. Common symptoms include:6

• Nausea

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhea

• Stomach cramping

• Fever

• Body aches 

• Headache

The stomach flu is caused by viruses that usually resolve on their own. Oftentimes, no medical treatment is needed. However, these viruses may lead to a medical emergency when a sick person becomes dehydrated due to vomiting and watery diarrhea. 

Treatment

The viruses that cause the stomach flu often need to run their course, and most people start to feel much better after a few days to a week. 

Medical

It’s important to note that there is no medication available to treat norovirus or rotavirus. However, children who become dehydrated may require medical intervention. Treatment for dehydration includes fluid replacement and stopping the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. 

Depending on how dehydrated your little one has become, a healthcare provider, including your child's pediatrician, may recommend giving intravenous (IV) fluids. Signs of dehydration include:7

• Decreased urination or number of wet diapers

• Fatigue

• Fussiness or irritability 

• Crying without tears 

• Feeling dizzy or light-headed

• Dry mouth or throat

Home Remedies

The stomach flu is most often treated at home with rest and fluids. Encourage your child to rest as much as possible. Once your child is able to tolerate drinking liquids, encourage them to drink as often as they can.

Sports drinks may help to treat mild dehydration. If your child is dehydrated, they may need to drink their fluid replacement in the form of Pedialyte or another oral rehydration drink.8 Talk with a healthcare provider if you are unsure which drink to choose. 

Prevention

Norovirus and rotavirus are very contagious and cannot always be prevented. However, there are steps that you can take to lower your risk of being exposed. Preventive strategies include:9

• Handwashing: Encourage your children to frequently wash their hands, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. 

• Disinfection: To kill these viruses, disinfect the surfaces in your home with a chlorine bleach solution that contains 5–25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water. 

• Cooking: When preparing food, always rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Cook any shellfish and poultry completely, and never prepare food when you feel sick. 

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Call your primary healthcare provider or your child's pediatrician if you are concerned that your child is dehydrated. The medical staff can help you determine if your child needs to be seen and how to rehydrate them as quickly as possible.

Summary

The stomach flu is caused by very contagious viruses like norovirus and rotavirus. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The stomach flu is spread by contact with a sick person, contaminated food or drink, and surfaces. It can quickly spread through concentrated environments like school or daycare centers. Gastroenteritis is usually treated at home with rest and fluids. If you are concerned that your child is becoming dehydrated, talk with your healthcare provider. 

Seeing your child sick is hard for any parent. It may be helpful to remember that the stomach flu is a common infection and usually resolves on its own. Encourage your child to rest as much as possible and help them replace lost fluids with broth or oral rehydration fluids. Don’t hesitate to call your healthcare provider if you are concerned about dehydration. 

 Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rotavirus.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Norovirus.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common settings of norovirus outbreaks.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Burden of norovirus illness in the U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rotavirus in the U.S.

By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH
Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse. She has practiced in a variety of settings including pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health.