Gastroenteritis, also called the stomach flu or gastro, is a common and usually benign illness. It can, however, lead to serious complications in young children, such as dehydration. What symptoms should you look out for and how can you limit its spread? Read on to learn more about gastroenteritis and how you can help your child bounce back from their illness.

What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is an infection that affects the digestive system, mainly the stomach and intestine. It is most often caused by a virus—particularly rotavirus in children—but can also be caused by bacteria or parasites. It’s highly contagious and spreads easily, especially in daycare centres and schools.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of gastroenteritis in children include:

• Frequent diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite

Other less frequent symptoms may also occur:

• Mild or moderate fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue

Complications: Signs to look out for and when to seek medical advice

Because gastroenteritis can lead to rapid dehydration in children, especially very young children, special care is needed.

Gastro in babies

Infants are particularly vulnerable to gastroenteritis. Because they are so small and need a lot of fluids, they are at greater risk of dehydration. Watch very closely for the signs of dehydration listed below. When in doubt, go to the hospital.

Recognizing the signs of dehydration

Consult a health care professional as soon as possible if your child shows these signs of dehydration:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness, irritability
• Dark urine, or little or no urine output
• Cold skin that doesn’t spring back when pinched
• Crying without tears
• Rapid breathing
• Headache
• Confusion, dizziness, or lightheadedness

When should you bring your child to emergency?

Head to the emergency room if you notice one or more of these signs:

• Refusal to drink for more than 4 hours
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Diarrhea or vomiting that lasts more than 48 hours
• Bright green vomit
• A fever that lasts more than 48 hours

Children with a chronic disease or a weakened or deficient immune system and a fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) should also go to the hospital.

How to treat gastroenteritis in children

There is no specific treatment for gastroenteritis, but there are things you can do to relieve your child’s symptoms and prevent complications. Rest, hydration, and an adapted diet are three important elements for recuperating well.

Hydration:

Whether breast or bottle fed, babies under the age of 12 months should continue to drink their usual milk. Ideally, you should breastfeed for shorter sessions or offer smaller quantities of milk, but more often.

Rehydration solutions are recommended for children over the age of 12 months who are:

• Vomiting or have severe/very frequent diarrhea
• Refusing breast milk or formula, or vomiting after they drink

Give your child over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions that contain electrolytes to compensate for fluid loss. These come in liquid or powder form, and even as freezer pops. They should be consumed frequently but in small amounts so as not to trigger vomiting.

How much liquid should I give?

Start with 5 to 15 ml of liquid (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon). If well tolerated, gradually increase the amount to the following hourly recommendations based on age:

• 0 to 6 months: 30 to 90 ml
• 6 months to 2 years: 90 to 180 ml
• 2 and over: 180 to 250 ml

If your child wants to drink more, let them; but make sure the quantity and frequency are increased very gradually. If they vomit, wait 30 to 60 minutes before giving them more.

Once your child is able to keep liquids down for 4 hours, you can gradually reintroduce food.

Tips to help your little one stay hydrated

• Keep rehydration solutions on hand.
• If your child won’t drink, try switching up your delivery method to a cup, mug, bottle, spoon, dropper, syringe, or freezer pop.

Homemade rehydration solution

If you don’t have a commercial rehydration solution at home, you can make your own version to tide you over. Mix these three ingredients together in the exact quantities listed:

• 360 ml unsweetened orange juice
• 600 ml boiled and cooled water
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) salt

Diet

When your child has the stomach flu, it is recommended that they eat, because it helps heal the intestinal lining and rebuilds their strength. Start with small amounts and gradually increase as their appetite and condition improve.

What to feed your child when they have gastroenteritis

• Offer easy-to-digest foods like rice, unsweetened cereal, pasta, lean meats, eggs, vegetables, fruit, bread, or low-fat dairy products (preferably lactose-free).
• Avoid giving your child sugary, fizzy, or caffeinated drinks, as well as foods that are sweet, spicy, very fatty, or very salty (e.g., bouillon or soup mixes that come in a packet).

How long does a stomach bug last?

Gastroenteritis usually lasts only 24 to 72 hours, but some symptoms can linger for up to 10 days, depending on the cause.

How long is gastroenteritis contagious?

Children with viral gastroenteritis, such as that caused by rotavirus, are generally contagious from onset until several days after symptoms resolve.

To limit the spread, keep your child at home until they have no more symptoms.

How is gastroenteritis transmitted?

Gastroenteritis spreads quickly and easily, especially among young children who tend to touch their mouth with their hands often. It can be transmitted in several ways:

• Direct contact with an infected person
• Indirect contact with objects or surfaces contaminated by infected people
• Ingestion of contaminated food or water
• Inhalation of airborne droplets from an infected person’s vomit

How to prevent the spread of gastroenteritis

In addition to keeping your child at home while symptomatic, hygiene and vaccination play an important role in preventing the spread of gastroenteritis.

Hygiene

There are a few simple things you can do to limit transmission:

• Wash your hands and your child’s hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before eating.
• Disinfect toys and surfaces likely to be contaminated.
• Avoid sharing utensils, glasses, or other personal items with an infected child.

Have your baby vaccinated against rotavirus

Vaccination is an effective way to protect young children from the possible complications of rotavirus gastroenteritis. In Quebec, this vaccine is part of the infant immunization program. It’s administered in two doses: the first before the age of 20 weeks and the second before the age of 8 months.

Ask your pharmacist for advice

When it comes to gastroenteritis, your pharmacist can:

• Prevent dehydration and treat symptoms
• Determine whether to stop or adjust certain medications to avoid dehydration, kidney problems, and other complications
• Recommend anti-nausea or anti-vomiting medication, where appropriate
• Refer you to another health professional if your child has worrying symptoms
• Provide information on rotavirus vaccination for infants

You may also be interested in these articles about children’s health

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Posted on January 21, 2025

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