Viral Gastroenteritis in Children

Viral gastroenteritis is often called “stomach flu.” But it is not really related to the flu or influenza. It is irritation of the stomach and intestines due to infection with a virus. Most children with viral gastroenteritis get better in a few days without a doctor’s treatment. Because a child with gastroenteritis may have trouble keeping fluids down, he or she is at risk for dehydration and should be watched closely.

The best way to prevent gastroenteritis is to wash hands regularly using warm water and plenty of soap.

Symptoms of Viral Gastroenteritis

Symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea (loose, watery stools) sometimes with nausea and vomiting. The child may have cramps or pain in the stomach area. A fever or headache may also be present. Symptoms usually last for about 2 days, but may take as long as 7 days to go away.

How Is Viral Gastroenteritis Transmitted?

Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious. The viruses that cause the infection are often passed from person to person by unwashed hands. Children can get the viruses from food, eating utensils, or toys. People who have had the infection can be contagious even after they feel better. And some people are infected but never have symptoms. Because of this, outbreaks of gastroenteritis are common in childcare and other group settings.

Treatment

Most cases of viral gastroenteritis get better without treatment. (Antibiotics are NOT helpful against viral infections.) The goal of treatment is to make the child comfortable and to prevent dehydration. These tips can help:

• Be sure the child gets plenty of rest.

• To prevent dehydration:

  • Give your child plenty of liquids such as water or broth. You can also give your child an oral rehydyration solution such as Pedialyte, which you can buy at the grocery store or drugstore. Ask your child's doctor which types of solutions are best for your child. Have your child take small sips of fluid at first to avoid nausea.

• When your child is able to eat again:

  • Feed him his regular foods. Start with bland, starchy foods (such as crackers) in small amounts at first.

  • Ask your child’s doctor whether there are any foods that should be avoided while your child is recovering from gastroenteritis.

Preventing Viral Gastroenteritis

These steps may help lessen the chances that you or your child will get or pass on viral gastroenteritis:

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap often, especially after going to the bathroom, diapering your child, and before preparing, serving, or eating food.

• Have your child wash his or her hands frequently.

• Keep food preparation areas clean.

• Wash soiled clothing promptly.

• Use diapers with waterproof outer covers or use plastic pants.

• Prevent contact between the child and those who are sick.

• Keep your sick child home from school or childcare.

• Ask your child’s health care provider whether your child should receive the rotavirus vaccine. This vaccine protects infants and young children against rotavirus infection, one cause of viral gastroenteritis.