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Often, called the stomach flu, it's also known as viral gastroenteritis, which is not to be confused with the flu caused by the influenza virus. The stomach flu is caused by viruses, such as norovirus and rotavirus, that irritate and infect the digestive system. It can be a common illness among kids, who may not be as good at washing their hands as adults and spend more time touching the same objects as other kids.

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How do viruses cause stomach bug in toddlers?

Stomach bug, which is called gastroenteritis can be caused by:

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• Viruses like norovirus or rotavirus. They are shed in the stool or vomit of infected people. Norovirus can contaminate food, water, or surfaces. Most outbreaks occur in food service settings.
• Food poisoning from bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. These are found in raw food, unpasteurized (raw) milk and juice, soft cheeses made from raw milk, and raw fruits and vegetables (such as lettuce, other leafy greens, and sprouts). Also, in contaminated water, including drinking untreated water and swimming in contaminated water.

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What are the symptoms of stomach bug in toddlers?

• abdominal cramps.
• abdominal pain.
• diarrhoea.
• loss of appetite.
• bloating.
• nausea.
• Vomiting.

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Get immediate help if these symptoms occur

• sudden and severe tummy pain, or they're floppy, irritable, or less responsive
• has a headache, stiff neck, and a rash
• might have swallowed something poisonous
• there's blood in the vomit, or the vomit looks like ground coffee
• the vomit is green or yellow-green
• has a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights

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Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within 1-3 days after the child is 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.

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Because the symptoms are similar, it's easy to confuse viral diarrhoea with diarrhoea caused by bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile, salmonella and Escherichia coli, or parasites, such as giardia. Your doctor will recommend tests if they suspect it.

How do you treat a toddler’s stomach bug?

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The best ways to treat the stomach flu in kids are hydration and rest. Your paediatrician will advise you to give the tummy a break from regular food.

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Water alone may not be enough to rehydrate kids safely, especially younger children. Kids lose electrolytes when they vomit or have diarrhoea. This can lead to low sodium in the blood, a dangerous situation. A rehydration solution replenishes fluids and electrolytes. Broth can also be helpful.

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You can also make a rehydration solution at home by combining 4 ¼ cups of water, 6 teaspoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt, after consulting the paediatrician.

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Should you start antibiotics for a toddler’s stomach bug?

It is not a good idea to send in strong medicines into a baby’s tummy. Stomach flu is caused by a virus, hence antibiotics will not help.

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Just give the appropriate dose of paracetamol if your toddler has a fever.

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What are the signs of dehydration when a toddler has a stomach bug?

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• Little or lack of urine, or urine that is darker than usual
• Urinating less frequently than usual (fewer than 6 wet diapers a day for infants and 8 hours or more without urinating for children)
• Thirst (babies may show thirst by crying, being irritable and eager to drink when something is offered)
• Irritability
• Not eating as well as usual
• Weight loss
• Dry mouth
• No tears when crying
• In babies who are younger than 18 months old, sunken soft spots on the top of their heads
• Skin that isn’t as springy or elastic as usual
• Sleepiness

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What is an ORS? How does it help?

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An oral rehydration solution, or ORS, is a great way to replace fluids and nutrients lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. An ORS is safe for babies and older children. An ORS can come in several forms, including a powder that you mix with water, a liquid that is already mixed and a frozen popsicle.

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If your child is vomiting, try giving him or her small amounts of an ORS often, such as 1 teaspoonful every minute. When your child is able to keep the drink down, slowly increase how much you give.

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If your child keeps vomiting, wait 30 to 60 minutes after the last time he or she vomited, and then give him or her a few sips of an ORS. Small amounts every few minutes may stay down better than a large amount all at once.

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When your child stops vomiting, you may increase how much of the ORS you give each time and add clear broths or clear sodas. Remember, small amounts are less likely to upset your child’s stomach.

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What do you feed a toddler with a stomach bug?

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Here are some simple tips:

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• Avoid milk and dairy products
• Minus out greasy, heavy, or spicy foods for a few days after they experience vomiting.  
• Khichdi, mashed potatoes, rice, and moong lentil daal are good.
• Apple stew is also light on the tummy.
• A mashed banana will help. 
• Broth-based light soups are also great.
• Some toddlers might like nibbling on toast.
• Avoid carbonated drinks. Use only rehydrated solutions.
• If your baby is breastfeeding, please continue.

How long does the stomach flu last in toddlers?

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A stomach flu usually lasts between one and three days. Vomiting typically lasts for less than 24 hours.

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However, if your child's symptoms continue for more than 5 days, you should call your paediatrician. You should also call your paediatrician immediately if your child has:

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• A high fever
• Severe abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea or vomiting with blood
• Signs of dehydration like not urinating, dry skin, no tears or rapid breathing
• With the right rest and rehydration, your child should make a full recovery in just a few days. 

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Any home / Ayurveda remedies for stomach bug in toddlers?

The good old Science of Ayurveda recommends the following:

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• Paalkayam ( asafoetida) with garlic - rub on a stone  and take juice and mix with a half tsp of milk ( breastmilk or normal cow milk (boiled and cooled).
• Ashtachoornam one tsp with one tsp of ghee and mix with first bolus of rice.
• Ginger with lime juice and salt and sugar and prepare ale.
• A decoction with the following spices: jeera + dhaniya + ajwain.
• A decoction with methi seeds and jeera.
• Pudina leaves boiled in water can be given to drink with little honey.
• Turmeric and cinnamon can be boiled and had.
• Pomegranate juice.
• Buttermilk with jeera.

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On a Vaid’s recommendation, these medicines can be tried:

• Vidangarishta
• Abhayarishta
• Dasamoolarishta
• Triphala choorna
• Vidanga choorn
• Hingwashtaka choorna
• Bilwadi lehya
• Bonnison
• Caspa drops
• Balakalpam.

Will my child need to go to the hospital?

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In most cases, it will resolve at home in a few days. But, do go to the hospital if the child:

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• Is younger than 6 months old.
• Is older than 6 months old and has a fever higher than 101.4°F.
• Has signs of dehydration (see box above).
• Has been vomiting longer than 8 hours or is vomiting with great force.
• Has blood in his or her stools.
• Has blood in his or her vomit.
• Has not urinated in 8 hours.
• Might have swallowed something that could be poisonous.
• Has a stiff neck.
• Is not active and unusually sleepy.
• Has had abdominal pain for more than 2 hours.

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