How to prevent the stomach bug

One thing parents and caregivers know well is that where there are lots of kids, there are lots of germs too.

Viruses that cause gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach bug or stomach flu, are easily spread when groups of kids spend time together in close spaces like classrooms, locker rooms and summer camps.

“Children share germs at school and then bring them home to their families, so communities often see an uptick in stomach bug cases when school starts,” says Nazima Zakhidova, M.D., Pediatrician at Children’s Health℠. “Luckily, there are some easy things everyone in your home can do to help prevent catching a stomach bug.”

Understanding stomach bugs

A stomach bug is typically a viral infection that causes very unpleasant symptoms. These symptoms usually last around three to five days but can last up to a week.

Symptoms of a stomach bug include:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea and vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Fever

• Body aches

Norovirus and rotavirus are two of the most common stomach bugs, especially in children.

These infections are highly contagious. They spread through direct contact with someone who is sick or by touching surfaces that are contaminated with the virus.

Stomach bugs can be spread by:

• Sharing food, drinks or utensils with someone who is infected.

• Changing diapers or helping a sick child use the toilet.

• Handling objects like toys or doorknobs and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

“At school, kids are in close contact with others all day long and are constantly touching shared surfaces like doorknobs, classroom desks and books where the viruses can live,” explains Dr. Zakhidova. “That's why, when it comes to stomach bug prevention, without a doubt, the best thing you can do is teach your child how to wash their hands correctly and remind them to do it often.”

Our top stomach bug prevention tips

Getting the rotavirus vaccine is the most effective way for children to avoid rotavirus gastroenteritis. For all other stomach bug viruses, there are several easy steps everyone can take to lower their risk.

Regular handwashing with soap is the single best way to avoid any stomach bug. Children and adults should use soap and water to scrub the front and back of their hands and between their fingers for at least 20 seconds.

It’s very important to wash hands with soap before and after eating, and also after:

• Using the bathroom or changing diapers

• Sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.

• Touching objects that many other people handle like doorknobs, desks and handrails.

Everyday prevention strategies

In addition to practicing and teaching children good handwashing habits, parents and caregivers can help keep themselves and their families healthy by:

• Encouraging children to break habits like biting nails or putting objects like pens in their mouths.

• Reminding kids to avoid sharing food, drinks and utensils with others.

• Keeping kids’ allergies under control to reduce the spread of viruses through sneezing and coughing.

• Disinfecting objects like toys and doorknobs, as well as bathroom or diaper changing surfaces.

• Washing and drying clothing or bedding that may have come in contact with vomit or stool using a high heat setting.

• Vaccinating young children against rotavirus. (There is currently no vaccine for norovirus.)

• Rinsing fruits and vegetables well and avoiding food that is undercooked or has not been stored properly.

• Avoid drinking water from unsafe or untreated water sources (wells, rivers, lakes, contaminated tap water)

Natural prevention methods to prevent stomach bugs

Healthy choices that strengthen your immune system can also help prevent illness and minimize symptoms.

You can help strengthen your child’s immune system by helping them to:

• Get enough sleep. Choose age-appropriate bedtimes and have a good sleep routine that does not include a screen.

• Reduce stress. Mindfulness, breathing exercises and regular exercise and activity are all great stress busters.

• Avoid being overscheduled. Make sure kids have a balance between organized activities and free time to play.

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Be sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables.

• Get the vitamins and minerals they need. Talk to your child’s doctor about supplements like vitamins A, C, E and zinc. These may help support their immune system.

Stomach bug prevention myths

There are a few natural remedies people try to prevent stomach bugs or support gut health. But there’s no significant research showing that they are effective.

Does grape juice prevent stomach bugs?

No, grape juice does not prevent stomach bugs. But drinking Pedialyte or other electrolyte drinks can be a good way to help keep kids hydrated if they do get sick.

Does activated charcoal stop you from getting a stomach bug?

No, activated charcoal does not have any proven effect on the viruses or bacteria that cause stomach bugs.

Do probiotics help you avoid a stomach bug?

No, taking probiotics will not prevent you from getting sick. However, probiotics can sometimes help restore gut health after you’ve had a stomach bug. Talk to your child’s doctor about taking probiotics.

What to do if you have been exposed to a stomach bug

Stomach bugs are highly contagious infections. If a stomach bug is going around your child’s school, the best thing you can do is review good handwashing and hygiene practices.

If people in your household think they may have been exposed to a stomach bug, you can:

• Encourage frequent handwashing with soap

• Disinfect surfaces regularly

• Limit direct contact with those who are sick as much as possible

And when someone in your home does get sick, there are a few key things to understand about treating stomach bugs:

1. Stomach bugs are usually caused by viruses, so they generally can’t be treated with antibiotics.

2. Symptoms typically last a few days and then go away on their own.

3. Kids should stay home from school until they have been vomit- and diarrhea-free for at least 24 hours.

4. The best way to manage a stomach bug is to keep kids well hydrated with electrolyte drinks

5. Anti-diarrheal medicines like Imodium are not recommended to treat stomach bug symptoms. (Diarrhea helps flush the virus from the body.)

Learn more about stomach bug remedies for kids.

When to consult a pediatrician

Typically, a child with a stomach bug will not need to see a pediatrician, especially if you encourage rest and liquids (including water, broths and electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte).

But, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous.

It’s important to contact your doctor if your child:

• Is vomiting so much that they are unable to keep down any water or liquids.

• Shows signs of dehydration such as infrequent or dark-colored urine, skin not springing back when pinched or crying without tears.

• Has a fever higher than 100.4° F for several days.

• Has diarrhea for more than seven days.

If you're unsure if a sick child needs to be seen by a doctor – or you're short on time – Children's Health Virtual Visit provides several convenient options for parents and caregivers.

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