What Causes Stomach Flu In Toddlers?
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.
What Causes Stomach Flu In Toddlers?
Stomach flu in toddlers is usually caused by one of these three viruses:
- rotavirus
- adenovirus
- norovirus
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:
- touches something contaminated and then touches their mouth.
- share food or drinks with someone infected.
- live with someone infected, even if that person isn’t sick.
In addition to this, rotavirus might also cause stomach flu in toddlers. But the rotavirus vaccine can help prevent them.
Symptoms of Stomach Flu In Toddlers
Some of the symptoms of stomach flu in toddlers are:
- belly pain and cramps
- diarrhoea (usually watery and sometimes explosive)
- fever and chills
- nausea and vomiting
- poor appetite and headache
- muscle aches and stiff joints
- tiredness and sleepiness
Treatment of Stomach Flu In Toddlers
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.
Can Stomach Flu In Toddlers Be Prevented?
- Ensure good hygiene habits like washing hands before every meal. You can opt for a natural foaming handwash that will not only keep germs at bay but also is gentle on your little one’s hands.
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
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