15 Sep 2022 | 3 min Read
Sayani Basu
Author | 607 Articles
Stomach flu is perhaps the two dreaded words for all parents. Also known as gastroenteritis, the stomach flu in toddlers is a common illness that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and belly cramps. It usually lasts a few days and most of the kids get better at home by resting and drinking plenty of liquids.
In case of belly cramps, it is advisable to keep a tummy relief roll on that relieves your toddler’s discomfort.
Read on to know more.
Stomach flu in toddlers is usually caused by one of these three viruses:
According to medical studies, norovirus is the most common cause of stomach flu in toddlers. Your toddler might get sick only a day or two after catching one and is highly contagious. If your child has it, there might be chances that you and other members in your house might share it within the week if you. Your toddler might also get infected if he/ she:
In addition to this, rotavirus might also cause stomach flu in toddlers. But the rotavirus vaccine can help prevent them.
Some of the symptoms of stomach flu in toddlers are:
Usually, there’s no specific treatment for the viruses that cause stomach flu in toddlers. However, your child’s doctor might recommend antidiarrheal and anti-nausea medications in case of excessive dehydration.
It is advisable to keep your toddler hydrated by offering plenty of liquids. Plus, mild dehydration is treated with oral rehydration which includes giving oral rehydration solution (such as Pedialyte and Enfalyte) that has the right amounts of water, sugar, and salt to keep your little one hydrated.
It is advisable to consult a doctor before giving any pain relief medication to your little ones.
2. It is advisable to clean surfaces that get touched a lot like tabletops and doorknobs with a cleaner that kills viruses.
3. Do not let your toddler eat foods and drinks that are left uncovered.
Although stomach flu in toddlers is a common illness, it might sometimes get serious. It is recommended to call the doctor right away if your little one has been vomiting or having diarrhoea for more than two days, has a high fever, or has been vomiting blood.
Cover Image Credit: pexels
A
Suggestions offered by doctors on BabyChakra are of advisory nature i.e., for educational and informational purposes only. Content posted on, created for, or compiled by BabyChakra is not intended or designed to replace your doctor's independent judgment about any symptom, condition, or the appropriateness or risks of a procedure or treatment for a given person.