It can be a worrying time when your child is hit with a stomach bug. Pediatric stomach flu—often caused by viral gastroenteritis—is a common illness that affects children worldwide.
It can spread easily when people are in close contact, such as in schools, daycare settings, and even places like cruise ships. This makes it one of the most common causes of vomiting and diarrhea in kids.
At Pediatric Associates of Austin, our providers understand how stressful this illness can be for families. If your child is experiencing symptoms of the stomach flu or showing signs of dehydration, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team in Austin, Texas, is here to guide you with compassionate care and help your child feel better quickly.
Pediatric stomach flu refers to viral gastroenteritis, a viral infection that affects the stomach and small intestine. Despite the name, it is not related to influenza. Instead, it is typically caused by viruses like norovirus, which spread through contaminated food, eating food handled by an infected person, or close contact with infected people.
This illness affects the body by irritating the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While most cases resolve on their own, the infection can be more serious in infants and young children due to the risk of severe dehydration.
The symptoms of stomach flu can appear suddenly and may vary in severity. Common signs include the following:
Keep on the lookout for signs of dehydration, especially in younger children. Signs may include the following:
These symptoms can sometimes resemble food poisoning. If someone in the family ate the same things and got sick at the same time, it could be food poisoning.
Yes, gastroenteritis is highly contagious. The virus spreads easily through:
Children can remain contagious even after symptoms improve. To reduce the spread of the virus, try the following:
Because the virus spreads quickly, outbreaks are common in group settings.
Most cases improve within a few days without the need for treatment. However, some situations require medical attention. You should seek medical attention if your child:
Infants are especially vulnerable to dehydration. Providers may recommend electrolyte solutions, taking small sips of fluids, or ice chips to help maintain hydration and support recovery.
Although it’s not always possible to avoid infection, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
Teaching children good hygiene habits is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of this virus.
In most cases, treatment focuses on keeping your child hydrated and comfortable. Offer small sips of fluids, electrolyte solutions, and bland foods once they can eat again. Avoid giving medicine unless recommended by a provider, as some treatments may not be suitable for children.
If your child continues to feel unwell or shows worsening symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
Pediatric stomach flu can be uncomfortable, but with the right care, most children recover quickly. If your child is experiencing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of dehydration, the experienced providers at Pediatric Associates of Austin are here to help.
Contact our practice in Austin, TX, today to schedule a visit and ensure your child gets the care they need to feel better fast.
Pediatric stomach flu is usually caused by viruses such as the norovirus. It spreads through contaminated food, close contact with an infected person, or touching contaminated surfaces and then ingesting the virus.
Signs of dehydration include dark colored urine, dry mouth or lips, sunken eyes, and decreased urination. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to increase fluids and seek medical attention if they worsen.
In most cases, symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea improve within 1–3 days. However, some children may take longer to fully recover, especially if they become dehydrated.
You should seek medical attention if your child has persistent vomiting or diarrhea, cannot keep fluids down, develops a high fever, shows signs of severe dehydration, or has blood in their vomit or stool.
While it is not always preventable, you can reduce the risk by encouraging frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and ensuring food is handled safely.
