how long does it take for a stomach bug to run its course in toddler

by Sophie Schmitt 10 min read

Toddlers and children usually stop vomiting within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms but have lingering diarrhea for another day or two. In some instances, these symptoms may persist for up to 10 days. Stomach flu isn't a serious condition for most people with healthy immune systems.

Full Answer

How often does a child get a stomach bug?

Children average one or two bouts of this stomach bug each year. Kids often get it more often during their first year in daycare, but then have a boost in their immunity and contract it less often once they're 6 years old.

How long do stomach bugs last (and why)?

Generally, stomach bug resolves within a few days. However, in certain cases the sickness can get prolonged for up to 10 days. Patients should stay in constant touch with their doctor if their symptoms persist for long. This is essential for preventing the occurrence of any complications or other illnesses.

How long does stomach flu last in toddlers?

Stomach flu and rotavirus symptoms in babies and toddlers Here are the most common symptoms of rotavirus and stomach flu in little ones: Vomiting and watery diarrhea, usually lasting three to eight days

What are the symptoms of stomach bug in babies?

Patients of stomach bug must be watchful of these symptoms and seek treatment accordingly. Babies suffering from stomach bug, on getting dehydrated, also show symptoms like dry diapers, no tears, fontanels and sunken eyes. When these symptoms appear, medical attention should be sought immediately.

How long do stomach bugs last in toddlers?

A stomach flu usually lasts between one and three days. Vomiting typically lasts for less than 24 hours. However, if your child's symptoms continue for more than 5 days, you should call your pediatrician.

What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach bug in toddlers?

Lifestyle and home remediesLet your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water often. ... Ease back into eating. ... Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. ... Get plenty of rest. ... Try anti-diarrhea medications.

How do you get rid of a stomach virus in a toddler?

There is no specific treatment for gastroenteritis, and most kids can be treated at home. Keep your child hydrated by offering plenty of liquids. Kids with more severe dehydration may need treatment in the ER or hospital. Mild dehydration is treated with oral (by mouth) rehydration.

How long does diarrhea last in toddlers after stomach bug?

Gastroenteritis can cause crampy belly pain, followed by diarrhea that lasts about 3–5 days. Other symptoms may include: fever. loss of appetite.

What causes stomach bug in toddlers?

Stomach viruses can be caused by a number of gastrointestinal illnesses, and sometimes they're not viruses at all but food poisoning from a bacterial infection. One of the most common causes of a stomach bug in babies and toddlers is rotavirus disease.

How do you know if your child has a stomach virus?

Symptoms of the stomach flu usually begin about one to two days after the virus gets into the body. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea. Other possible symptoms are headache, fever, chills and stomachache. “The most dangerous consequence of the stomach flu is dehydration,” says Dr.

How long do stomach bugs last?

Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within 1-3 days after you're infected and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days.

What are Covid symptoms in kids?

Emergency warning signs include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds — depending on your child's skin tone.

How long is stomach bug contagious?

Although you typically feel better after a day or two, you're contagious for a few days after you recover. The virus can remain in your stool for up to two weeks or more after recovery. Children should stay home from school or child care for at least 48 hours after the last time they vomit or have diarrhea.

Is diarrhea a symptom of Covid in children?

COVID-19 Symptoms: Other common symptoms are chills, shivering (shaking), runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, fatigue (tiredness) and loss of smell or taste. The CDC also includes the following less-common symptoms: nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some people may have very mild symptoms.

When should I take my toddler to the doctor for diarrhea?

Call Your Doctor If: Blood in the diarrhea. Dehydration suspected (no urine in over 8 hours, dark urine, very dry mouth, and no tears) Diarrhea lasts over 2 weeks. You think your child needs to be seen.

When should I take my toddler to the doctor for diarrhea and vomiting?

Call your family doctor, pediatrician, or Health Link at 811 if your child: has vomiting or diarrhea for more than 2 days. a fever (a temperature over 37.5 °C) for more than 48 hours. has a swollen tummy (abdomen) or stomach pain that doesn't go away or gets worse.

How long does stomach flu last? Timeline and recovery

stomach flu lasting 5 days - MedHelp

What to feed toddlers to fight virus?

Your toddler needs sufficient nutrients in order to fight off the bug or virus. If they are struggling to keep solid foods down, start off by trying mashed bananas, pasta and dry toast. Starchy foods are best as they are least likely to upset your little ones stomach.

Why does my toddler have a fever?

However, the key thing to remember here is that an increased temperature is a sign that your little one’s immune system is working. Therefore, it will naturally fight off the bug and bring the temperature down in due course. It’s always better to let your toddler’s body do its job without interference.

Can a toddler eat solid food?

If your toddler’s bug is a particularly nasty one, they may not be able to eat solid foods for a day or two. This is perfectly normal and a liquid-only diet for a few days won’t typically cause any concern. However, keeping them on a liquid-only diet for a longer period of time isn’t a good idea.

How long does stomach flu last?

Her symptoms may be mild or severe, and they may last for just a few hours or for days, depending on the cause.

How many bouts of gastroenteritis do children get a year?

Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness in the United States (after upper respiratory infections such as colds ). Children average one or two bouts of this stomach bug each year.

What to do if toddler throws up?

It could be the stomach flu (gastroenteritis). If your child has a stomach bug, the most important thing is to keep her hydrated with breast milk, formula, or water, depending on her age. She may also need a pediatric electrolyte solution.

How to get rid of vomit and diarrhea?

Make a solution of 5 to 25 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water to clean vomit and diarrhea off hard surfaces. Wash soiled bed linens and clothing on the hottest, longest cycle available. Dry them on high heat. Be extra diligent following safe food preparation.

What temperature should a 6-month-old be?

If your child is over 6 months, call when his temperature is 103 degrees F or higher. Shows any of signs of mild to moderate dehydration. Warning. If your child shows signs of serious dehydration, take her to the emergency room right away. Young children can become dangerously dehydrated very quickly.

How to get rid of germs in kids?

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after every diaper change and bathroom visit, and before preparing food. Hand sanitizer won't kill the germs. It's also a good idea to wash your child's hands often throughout the day.

What temperature should a baby be at?

If your baby is 3 to 6 months, call if his temperature reaches 101 degrees F. If your child is over 6 months, call when his temperature is 103 degrees F or higher.

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

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

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.

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.

A Word From Verywell

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.

How long does the stomach flu last in a toddler?

Here are the most common symptoms of rotavirus and stomach flu in little ones: Vomiting and watery diarrhea, usually lasting three to eight days. Fever.

Why do babies have stomach bugs?

Stomach viruses can be caused by a number of gastrointestinal illnesses, and sometimes they're not viruses at all but food poisoning from a bacterial infection. One of the most common causes of a stomach bug in babies and toddlers is rotavirus disease. This guide to symptoms, causes, treatments and prevention of rotavirus has ...

How long does it take for rotavirus to fade?

What home remedies and treatments can help children with rotavirus and stomach flu? Usually you can treat rotavirus and other stomach viruses in babies and toddlers at home (antibiotics won’t work to kill a virus), and symptoms will usually fade within a few days.

When to call your pediatrician for stomach flu?

It's a good idea to call your pediatrician at the first onset of stomach flu symptoms. It's especially important to call right away if your child has bloody diarrhea, excessive vomiting or a fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher).

How to tell if a child is dehydrated?

Also, contact your pediatrician right away or go to the emergency room if you notice any of these signs of severe dehydration — which may need to be treated with intravenous (IV) fluids in the hospital: Your child is very lethargic or difficult to wake up. Unusual fussiness. Crying with few or no tears.

What to do if your child has diarrhea?

Serve bland foods (bananas, plain pasta, crackers or plain toast) that won’t irritate your child’s digestive system any more than it already is — and avoid giving apple juice, dairy products and sugary foods, which can make your little one’s diarrhea worse. Rest and more rest.

How does rotavirus spread?

But it can also spread through contaminated water, food or sometimes even through droplets in the air from coughs and sneezes. Though a child’s first case of rotavirus disease may be pretty severe, if she gets infected again, the symptoms are usually much milder.

What happens if one child has a stomach infection?

Other kinds of gastrointestinal infections are caused by bacteria. This includes food poisoning, which has slightly different symptoms than the stomach flu.

How to stop a child from getting the stomach flu?

You can at least prevent it from happening as often. The best way to prevent the stomach flu is wash your hands — and wash them again. Teach your child how to wash their hands properly and to wash them often.

How often does the stomach flu happen?

the stomach flu every year. It also leads to about a million visits to the pediatrician every year in the United States. These viruses act fast — your child may get sick only a day or two after catching one. The stomach flu is also very contagious.

What is the stomach flu?

The stomach flu goes straight — and mercilessly — for the intestines. The stomach flu is usually caused by one of three viruses: norovirus. rotavirus. adenovirus. The norovirus is the most common cause of the stomach flu in kids under the age of 5 years. This virus gives up to 21 million people.

How to help a baby with stomach flu?

Let the stomach settle. Avoid feeding your baby or child solid food for a few hours. Give older children frozen juice treats (popsicles) or ice chips. This helps to prevent dehydration.

How long does it take for a baby to have diarrhea?

Your baby or child may have cycles of vomiting and diarrhea for about 24 hours. If your child has the stomach flu, they may have hard-to-miss signs and symptoms like: diarrhea (usually watery and sometimes explosive) stomach pain and cramps. fever (usually mild and sometimes nonexistent) chills. nausea. vomiting. poor appetite.

How to help a toddler with a swollen stomach?

Try giving your child light, bland foods that will be easy on the stomach. Try crackers, Jell-O, bananas, toast, or rice. However, don’t insist that your child has to eat if they don’t want to. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Now is the time to pop in a favorite movie or reread beloved books.

How long does gastroenteritis last?

Viral infections are the usual cause of gastroenteritis. Bacteria can sometimes bring it on. The sickness usually passes in about 10 days without medication. The first few days tend to be the worst, but you can take steps to help your child get through it.

How to stop a toddler from vomiting?

Too much of even the right kind of liquid can make vomiting worse if given too rapidly, so take it slow at first and make sure it doesn’t make the problem worse. Try 1 teaspoon every 4 to 5 minutes, Nowalk says. Introduce food slowly. Once your child can drink liquid and keep it down, you can start adding food.

What does it mean when a child has diarrhea?

If your child suddenly has an attack of diarrhea and vomiting, and they complain of a stomachache, you may think to yourself, "stomach flu.". No, not really. What's often called "stomach flu" is gastroenteritis, an infection of the stomach and intestines. The flu, or influenza, is different. It causes sore throats, runny noses, ...

What to give a sick child?

But keep it bland. Try bananas, bread, rice, applesauce, and toast first. Chicken noodle soup and crackers are also good choices. Once you know those are going down OK, you can try lean meat and cooked vegetables. Don't give your sick child foods that are fried, spicy, fatty, or have a lot of acid.

Can you give a child a fever?

They can also be dangerous for very young children. There is one exception: If your child has a fever, you can give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen to bring it down. Other than that, stick with fluids and bland foods.

Can milk cause stomach problems?

Keep children away from milk. It can make stomach problems worse. Doctors recommend clear fluids. If you're the parent of a young baby, talk with your doctor about breastfeeding or formula. Drinks that have a lot of acid (orange juice) or caffeine can also cause belly problems and discomfort.

How long does it take for a stomach bug to show up?

What Are The Symptoms Of A Stomach Bug? In most people, the symptoms of stomach bug appear within 24 to 48 hours of getting exposed to the virus. Some of the many symptoms that may show up in stomach bug or viral gastroenteritis patients are: Diarrhea or constipation. Weight loss.

How long does a stomach bug stay in your stool?

These patients are most contagious when they are feeling the worst and a few days afterwards. The bug can stay in their stool for up to 2 weeks.

What are the symptoms of a stomach bug?

Patients of stomach bug must be watchful of these symptoms and seek treatment accordingly. Babies suffering from stomach bug, on getting dehydrated, also show symptoms like dry diapers, no tears, fontanels and sunken eyes. When these symptoms appear, medical attention should be sought immediately.

How to prevent stomach bug?

How Can Stomach Bug Be Prevented? 1 Avoid contact with people infected with stomach flu and wash your hands frequently. 2 Avoid hand-washing dishes and use the dishwasher instead. 3 Avoid using hand sanitizer and use soap and water instead. 4 Use a disinfectant solution to clean countertops and kitchen surfaces. 5 Wipe the shopping cart handles before using them.

Why do people with stomach bug need fluids?

Dehydration is a major cause of concern for individuals who have the stomach virus, a.k.a. Stomach Bug. So, people suffering from stomach bug must consume plenty of fluids every day. This can help to flush the toxins out of the body and also keep one optimally hydrated.

How to get rid of stomach flu?

Avoid contact with people infected with stomach flu and wash your hands frequently. Avoid hand-washing dishes and use the dishwasher instead. Avoid using hand sanitizer and use soap and water instead. Use a disinfectant solution to clean countertops and kitchen surfaces.

What is stomach bug?

Medically known as viral gastroenteritis, stomach bug is basically inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Stomach bug is a short-term illness that spreads easily. It is usually self-diagnosable and rarely requires any lab tests or imaging tests to get detected. The most common symptom of Stomach Bug is dehydration and one should seek medical ...

How long does it take for gastroenteritis to show symptoms?

Gastroenteritis typically hits the body quickly, and symptoms usually appear within one to three days of exposure to the virus. Stomach virus symptoms may appear quickly, with little to no warning, and include vomiting, low grade fever, body aches, abdominal cramping, diarrhea and nausea.

How long does it take for stomach flu to go away?

Depending on which virus you have, you can remain contagious up to three days after your symptoms disappear.

Do you need a doctor for gastroenteritis?

If you have gastroenteritis, you typically do not need to seek a doctor's treatment. Instead, keeping hydrated and letting the virus run its course is the best you can do.