Stomach Flu in Children

Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, is an intestinal infection that affects the digestive system and causes acute diarrhea. It can be caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses. Among children, most of the severe cases of infection are caused by rotavirus and adenovirus. It's estimated that this disease is one of the most important factors for high mortality rate among infants and children below five, worldwide.

Symptoms of stomach flu in children

The symptoms of stomach flu may start appearing between the 1st and 10th day after exposure. The period between exposure to the time when the symptoms start appearing, is called the stomach flu incubation period. The virus or bacteria that is responsible for causing stomach flu, can multiply within the intestine. The common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The disease may cause stomach cramps leading to severe pain. The patient may also get dehydrated due to water loss, triggered by diarrhea. The child also shows signs of fever and experiences chills, headache and muscle ache. He may also start feeling weak and avoid eating food. As the symptoms are quite similar to other infections, it is difficult for a person without a medical background, to judge whether or not a child is suffering from stomach flu.

Causes of stomach flu in children

Stomach flu is caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses, which damage the cells in the small intestine. This damage causes fluid leakage in cells and eventually leads to watery diarrhea. The most common virus which causes stomach flu in children is rotavirus. Its symptoms begin to appear a day or two after exposure. It causes vomiting and water diarrhea, which continues for 3 to 8 days. It is also characterized by fever and abdominal pain. This virus can also infect adults who come in close contact with the infected child. In adults, the symptoms are comparatively milder. Rotavirus infections are most commonly noticed in the United States between November and April.

Other viruses which can cause stomach flu in children include adenovirus and astrovirus. Adenovirus mainly affects children below the age of 2 years. The symptoms, which start appearing one week after the exposure to this virus, are quite similar to infections caused by other viruses. Infection by this virus can occur throughout the year. Astrovirus mainly infects infants, young children and elderly persons. Its symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting, which can be noticed within three days of exposure. Incidence of stomach flu caused by this virus, is mostly seen in the winter season.

Calicivirus and norovirus can cause infection in people of all ages. Noroviruses can even cause epidemics of stomach flu. It is observed to occur mostly from October to April. The symptoms which include fatigue, headache and muscle aches, besides diarrhea and vomiting, appear within the first three days of exposure.

Treatment for stomach flu in children

Due to lack of medicines which can kill the viruses causing this disease, the treatment for stomach flu is mainly focused on providing supportive care. Oral rehydration therapy is considered to be the most effective treatment. Drinking oral rehydration fluids (ORF), juice or water helps to tackle dehydration, which can be a major threat to children, mainly because of their small body size. Oral rehydration solutions can help by replacing lost fluids, minerals and salts. Vomiting may act as a hindrance, when it comes to fluid intake. This problem can be countered by sipping small amounts of liquid or sucking on an ice chip. Solid or mashed food can be reintroduced in the diet gradually, starting with easy-to-digest foods like toast, apples, bananas or rice. Medical evaluation becomes a necessity because in severe cases, the treatment may include using an intravenous (IV) line for direct replacement of body fluids through the veins.

Although it is not a serious illness, it can prove to be life-threatening, specially in case of infants and small children, as they are unable to care for themselves. Their fluid intake capacity is hampered due to the disease, so it's very important for parents to ensure that the infected child gets proper care. Hospitalization is always a good idea, as it ensures proper medical attention from practicing experts.