Stomach Flu in Kids - A Brief Review

Introduction

The virus that causes stomach flu spreads faster. Children become easily susceptible to stomach flu as they touch everything, share food, and do not wash their hands often. Babies also get stomach flu as they put everything in their mouths. This article briefly explains about stomach flu in children.

What Is Stomach Flu?

Stomach flu, known as a stomach bug, is viral gastroenteritis. It causes inflammation, irritation, and swelling in the gastrointestinal tract. The stomach flu infects the nose, throat, lungs, and intestines. The virus makes the child fall sick within a day or two after infection. The condition frequently resolves on its own but is highly contagious. Therefore, for most children, doctor consultation is not necessary.

What Causes Stomach Flu in Kids?

It is caused primarily by viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus. The virus spreads among children and within families in one week. Some children develop stomach flu due to bacteria or parasites infecting the stomach and intestine, leading to inflammation.

1. Norovirus: Norovirus commonly affects children below five years old and induces stomach flu. It spreads easily and stays on a hard surface for weeks. Therefore, enclosed areas and daycare centers are common sites for acquiring infection. The virus becomes transmissible soon after the child presents with symptoms.

2. Rotavirus: Rotavirus infects children between 3 to 18 months or immunocompromised children. Rotavirus vaccines are available to prevent stomach flu caused by rotavirus. The vaccine is available in two or three doses between 2 and 6 months. Symptoms develop two days after exposure and resolve within 3 to 8 days.

3. Adenovirus: Adenovirus infects children below two years. The symptoms develop within two days to two weeks following exposure. In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, the virus causes upper or lower respiratory symptoms and neurological and eye disorders. The sick child takes five to seven days to recover from infection. The virus can spread even when the child no longer presents the symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Flu?

The most common stomach flu symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, and belly cramps. The cycle of vomiting and diarrhea lasts for 24 hours. The child may appear worse than the infection. Some of the symptoms are:

• Diarrhea could be watery or explosive.

• Stomach pain and cramps.

• Mild fever.

• Chills.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Poor appetite.

• Headache.

• Muscle ache.

• Stiff joints.

• Tiredness.

• Sleepiness.

• Small children often cry and become irritable.

How Is Stomach Flu Diagnosed in Children?

Symptoms help diagnose stomach flu in children. There are no specific tests needed for diagnosis of stomach flu. But in severely sick children or when blood or mucus occurs in stools, the doctor can advise stool, urine, or blood test to identify the cause or symptoms of dehydration.

How Is Stomach Flu Treated?

Most children do not need treatment, and the virus does not have specific treatment. Most children overcome stomach flu symptoms within 24 to 48 hours. For some children, the symptoms could last for ten days. Some amount of vomiting and diarrhea can help expel the virus. Antidiarrheal and anti-nausea medications could help with severe symptoms. Babies above six months can be given Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen to improve patient comfort. However, babies must not be given excess pain medication. Focusing on rest, hydration, and easily digestible food can help recovery. Kids with severe dehydration may require treatment in the hospital or emergency care.

Children with mild dehydration symptoms require an oral rehydration solution. The solution contains a measured amount of water, sugar, and salt to help with dehydration.

What Home Remedies Are Available for Children With Stomach Flu?

Home remedies can help the child feel comfortable while dealing with stomach flu. Some remedies are:

• The child is not fed solid food for a few hours, and the stomach is allowed to settle.

• Older children can be given frozen electrolyte ice pops or popsicles to avoid dehydration. Oral rehydration solution is given in small quantities for dehydration.

• If the child is vomiting, food is given after 15 to 20 minutes. Babies can be breastfed to avoid dehydration even if they throw up.

• If babies do not feed, a syringe is used to administer a small amount of oral electrolyte fluids. However, water is not advised for dehydrated babies.

• Older children and toddlers can be fed small amounts of water or ginger ale. Oral rehydration or clear broths can also help rehydrate.

• Children can be fed stomach-soothing bland and light food. Foods that can be given to children with stomach flu are crackers, mashed potato, Jell-O, bananas, toast, or rice. Children with stomach flu can be given yogurt, fruits, vegetables, lean meat, or chicken.

• Children must not be given undiluted juice, soda, or sports drinks as they contain sugar and worsen diarrhea.

• Plenty of rest helps the child in recovery.

What Are the Complications of Stomach Flu?

Severe diarrhea and vomiting lead to loss of fluids and cause dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dark urine, dry diaper for 8 to 12 hours, excess sleepiness, weak crying or crying without tears, fast breathing, and heart rate. Other symptoms of severe stomach flu are fever above 102 Fahrenheit, severe stomach pain and discomfort, stiffness in the neck and body, a sunken spot in the baby’s head, blood or pus in vomit and stool, tiredness or irritability, and unresponsiveness.

How to Prevent Stomach Flu?

Stomach flu cannot be prevented, but its frequency can be reduced. Some steps are:

• Wash the hands properly and often with warm water and soap. The child must wash hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom or eating.

• The sick child must stay at home to avoid infecting others.

• The child should be taught to cover the mouth and nose before sneezing or coughing.

• The sick child must avoid sharing spoons, boxes, or bottles with others.

• Viruses survive on hard surfaces and clothes for 24 hours. Cleaning contaminated surfaces with detergents and disinfectants removes the virus.

• Toys must be cleaned with soap and water.

• Following food safety guidelines prevents bacteria or viruses from infecting the food.

Conclusion

Stomach flu does not persist for long in children. Most children become symptom-free within 2 to 8 days. There is no specific treatment for stomach flu. But rest, hydration, and easily digestible food can help with recovery. Following preventive measures can reduce the infection rate and the possibility of recurrence.