The term "stomach flu" can be confusing, since it has nothing to do with the influenza virus or regular flu that can cause a cough, runny nose, fever, and body aches, etc.
Instead, the stomach flu is a totally different infection, that can be caused by several types of viruses including noroviruses and rotavirus, and often includes symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Stomach Flu Symptoms
In addition to vomiting, children with the stomach flu often have:
- watery diarrhea
- nausea
- fever, which is usually low-grade
- abdominal cramps
- headache
These stomach flu symptoms can begin one to two days after being exposed to someone else that is sick with a stomach flu virus (the incubation period) and can last for one to 10 days.
Less common symptoms of the stomach flu can include chills and muscle aches.
Children who have excessive diarrhea or vomiting or who are not able to drink enough fluids can also develop symptoms of dehydration.
Stomach Flu Treatments
As with many other viral infections, there is no specific cure for the stomach flu. Care is aimed more at preventing dehydration and include routine treatments for vomiting and diarrhea, such as an oral rehydration solution and getting back to an age-appropriate unrestricted diet as soon as possible.
Although starting a BRAT diet is popular among parents when their kids have diarrhea, it is important to remember that it is usually not necessary.
Stomach Flu Confusion
Since the stomach flu really has nothing to do with influenza, flu, or the flu shot, to prevent confusion, it is probably better to call it by its proper name -- viral gastroenteritis.
Sources:
CDC. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Viral Gastroenteritis.
Confusion over the term "flu". - Pellman H - Pediatr Infect Dis J - 01-NOV-2006; 25(11): 1086-7
