Stomach Bug Symptoms in Children

What Parents Need to Know about Norovirus

Norovirus is very common among children. It’s also highly contagious, so it spreads quickly at daycares, in schools and during extracurricular activities. And although it’s sometimes called the intestinal flu or stomach flu, norovirus is not related to the flu, which is caused by the influenza virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea and food poisoning in the United States. If foodborne, the virus spreads either when someone who has norovirus touches the food before your child eats it, or the food (such as certain seafoods) is naturally contaminated with it.

There are many different types of noroviruses common in children, and all of them can cause a child’s stomach and intestines to swell. That’s why most parents associate sudden and severe vomiting and diarrhea with the condition. And while your child may have symptoms for only a few days, it can feel like much longer when you’re caring for them.

Caring for a Child with Norovirus

Symptoms of norovirus can begin as early as several hours or as late as two days after exposure.

There is no cure, so norovirus treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. The best approach includes:

• Ensuring your child gets plenty of rest

• Giving your child plenty of liquid

• Paying attention to how often they use the bathroom, or how many wet diapers you change

• If they can tolerate it, have them slowly eat small amounts of soft foods throughout the day.

When caring for a child — or anyone — with the stomach bug, wear disposable gloves while handling soiled clothes or cleaning up bodily fluids. We recommend you also:

• Limit your child’s exposure to others in the household

• Sanitize everything they touch

• Wash all clothes, sheets and towels in hot water

• Wash your child’s hands often

Since your child can continue to spread norovirus germs to others after symptoms are gone, it’s best to keep them home and away from other people for a few more days after they feel better.

Norovirus Symptoms in Children: What to Watch For

The top four signs of norovirus in children include:

• Cramping and stomach pain

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

Children may have more vomiting (but thankfully less diarrhea) than adults with a stomach virus. Young children may sleep throughout the day and seem more fussy than usual. You may also notice them crying without tears, since the body is low on fluids.

Less common symptoms among children include:

• Body aches

• Headache

• Low fever

• Muscle pain

Some children don’t have any symptoms at all but are infected and can still spread the virus to others at school or during play.

How Norovirus Spreads Among Children

Norovirus is so resilient that the germs can live on surfaces for up to several weeks. The virus isn’t killed by cold or heat, and it’s highly resistant to many disinfectants. So, it’s vital to clean objects and surfaces with chlorine bleach to prevent the virus from spreading from one child to another — or to someone else in your household.

Norovirus usually spreads in these ways:

• Direct contact with someone who has it

• Eating contaminated food or drinks (such as unwashed fruits and vegetables)

• Touching a contaminated surface, especially if your child touches their mouth, eyes or nose soon after

The Best Ways to Safeguard Your Family

Norovirus outbreaks usually occur in the colder months, but it’s important to protect your family throughout the year. The best way to prevent catching it is to make sure you:

• Model good hygiene habits

• Talk to your children about keeping their hands out of their mouths and avoiding touching their faces

• Teach your children to wash their hands well with soap and water

• Wash all fruits and vegetables before serving them to your family

It’s also a good idea to help your children understand that hand washing is especially important at these times:

• After using the bathroom

• At school and in areas crowded with people

• If they know anyone who is sick

Read other tips from the CDC about preventing norovirus.

Severe Symptoms to Watch Out For

Your child likely won’t need to see a healthcare provider for a full recovery. However, if your child has a weakened immune system or experiences severe symptoms like these, consider contacting their pediatrician:

• Blood in their stool

• Complaint of a bad headache

• Dehydration (signs include dizziness, excessive thirst, fatigue and low urine output)

• Inability to eat or drink

• Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than three days