What Is Stomach Flu?
Officially called gastroenteritis, stomach flu is an infection of the digestive system -- and is totally unrelated to the regular flu (influenza), which affects the respiratory system. Stomach flu is the second most common illness kids get, after respiratory infections like colds. Although unpleasant, stomach flu is usually not serious. It's usually caused by viruses, but can also come from bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, as well as some parasites.
Stomach flu causes inflammation of a child's stomach and digestive tract, usually triggering vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. "Babies and young children are especially prone to infection because their immune systems are still forming, so they haven't yet built up the antibodies to fight off germs," says Rita Steffen, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic in
What Are the Main Symptoms of Stomach Flu?
The early signs of stomach flu can be easy to miss, especially in babies and toddlers. Be on the lookout for these red flags:
Fever
Vomiting (more volume than usual everyday spit-up)
Watery diarrhea
Fussiness or irritability
Acting more tired and sluggish than usual
Decreased appetite
Older children may also complain of tummy cramps, muscle aches, and headaches. Symptoms generally set in one to three days after your kid's been exposed to the bug, and can last anywhere from a day or two up to 10. The main risks from stomach flu are not from the symptoms themselves (although unpleasant), but the fact that upset stomach can make your child very dehydrated.
For more information about the stomach flu including when to call the doctor, what medicines are safe, how long will it last, and when to start eating after the flu, go to:
