Is there such a thing as a "stomach flu"?

Question

If there is, how long does it last?

Our 4 y/o son has been vomiting and "running to the bathroom " since New Year's Eve morning. We took him to the Ergent Care yesterday (doc's office was closed) and they didn't seem to be too concerned saying "it's going around and just keep him hydrated". They never really said what he had except that we need to keep him hydrated. I've never had his condition and am wondering if it is something worse?

Answer 1

I have had it myself and it is not fun. Liquids and rest, the docs wouldn't send him home if they thought it was anything else. Just make sure he stays hydrated and I wish you both well.

Answer 2

Sounds like the stomach flu and it's tricky to keep them hydrated but I was told a little trick. If you give them a tablespoon of water every 10 to 15 minutes, they will think it's a game and what kid doesn't love to play with a cup and spoon of water. Only that small amount at the time because they won't throw it up and it keeps them hydrated. Good luck, stomach flu sucks in adults, imagine a 4 year old.

Answer 3

actually, it effects the intestines, but yes, there is a thing such as "stomach flu" Get some popsicles. Your son not only needs to stay hydrated, you need to keep his energy up. I know there are childrens drinks like pediacare and such but watch the restrictions of how often they can take it. If it lasts more than 3 days, get back to the doctor. If you have the bill from the place you went, look at it, they are supposed to put a diagnosis on that sheet of paper. My mother and grandmother always gave us hot tea with a little cinnamon and sugar added to it, powdered cream if you like, and dry toast. Good luck

Answer 4

Yes, it usually lasts about 24 hours. I had a terrible stomach flu back around Thanksgiving, but after a day I was feeling better and could keep food down. Make sure he's getting plenty of clear liquids, a little Gatorade will help, too. I wouldn't try to make him eat anything until the vomiting has subsided. He should be feeling better very soon if it is a stomach flu, but when he is ready to eat again, it will be very small amounts, his stomach will have shrunk a little bit.

Answer 5

The "stomach flu" is just a virus that is in the gastro area. The doctor's really can't give anything for it since it is a virus. As bad as it sounds, it really has to run it's course. The reason they say just keep him hydrated is because if you do not keep fluid is him, it could turn very worse. I know it is frustrating. Try giving him some type of electorlyte drinks.

Answer 6

He probably has a gastrointestinal bug and those are quite common. Or it could be a rota virus. Definitely keep him hydrated and if it is a virus there really isn't much they can do for him. Pedialyte is a good choice. My son had the same thing recently and it was just a virus and it lasted for a week. He is perfectly fine now.

Answer 7

it prob is just the stomach flu. nausea..headaches stuff like that. its not really that bad most people have it more that once in there life some have it once a year or so. just keep him hydrated like the drs said. if it doesnt get better with in 1-2 weeks take him back to the dr. it shouldnt last that long! good luck & i hope he feels better

Answer 8

The stomache flu is a common term for a virus called Norovirus, which has been circulating badly in our area for the past few weeks. It hits fast, but usually only lasts 2-3 days.

Keep your son hydrated as much as possible, and comfortable. Wash your hands almost narotically, every time you touch his bedding, him, food, after you use the bathroom, etc. Everyone in the house needs to do this, to prevent it from spreading further.

Disinfect surfaces with lysol or bleach water, too, to keep germs at bay. It is doubtful that he has something worse, but if he hasn't cleared up by tomorrow, then perhaps get him in to his regular office.


Here's some info from our local health department on Norovirus:
http://www.cmdhd.org/

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the "stomach flu," or gastroenteritis, in people. The "stomach flu" is NOT related to the flu, which is a respiratory illness caused by a different virus. The term norovirus was recently approvaed as the official name for this group of viruses; previously it had been referred to as "Norwalk virus" or "Norwalk-like virus."

Norovirus illness usually begins 24-48 hours after exposure, but can appear as early as 10 hours after exposuer. Symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Sometimes people have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness is usually briefl, with symptoms lasting only 1 or 2 days.

Norovirus disease is usually not serious, but people may feel very sick. Most people get better within 1 or 2 days, and have no long-term health effects from the illness. Sometimes people are unable to drink enough liquids to replace what they lose from vomiting and diarrhea, and they can become deydrated and need to see a doctor. This problem usually occures only among the very young, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Noroviruses are very contagious and spread easily from person to person. The virus is found in the stool and vomit of infected people. People can become infected in several ways, including eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated by infected food handlers, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth before hand washing, or having direct contact with another person who is infected and then touching their mouth before hand washing.



Basically, wash your hands, and keep things disinfected. Also, people are contagius for up to THREE days AFTER symptoms stop. It is recommended that you remain home bound until 3 days after your symptoms are gone to avoid spreading it further.

Answer 9

yes there is and it is viral and it has to run it course, just make sure he stays hydrated, don't worry so much right now about food just keep the fluids down then gradually give him small bites of chicken rice soup, this is flu season and it is terrible this year we have had the stomach and now the respiratory one.

Answer 10

Could be "winter vomiting virus" or food poisoning (depends which end it's coming out of)... there is a condition called Gastric Flu also.