02/03/2026
From Dr. Pedoeim:
The snow days may have provided a brief respite from winter illnesses, back to school also means back to germs- including a slight uptick in the stomach flu š¤¢ Hereās a refresher on what you need to know for this most dreaded trend:
Vomiting is often the first symptom to appear and lasts about 1-2 days. Kids in particular may have several episodes of vomiting over a short period of a few hours. Diarrhea often starts after vomiting (or shortly before) and can last anywhere from days to weeks (!) in younger toddlers š©
During this time, keeping your child hydrated is key! Focus on small frequent sips of water or a rehydrating drink such as Pedialyte. Once vomiting stops, you can slowly reintroduce food. Start with bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast - aka the classic BRAT diet šššš
Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious for the first 48 hours. Encourage frequent hand washing, disinfect surfaces, and remind everyone in the house to avoid sharing utensils or towels.
Viral gastroenteritis can typically be managed at home to help prevent the spread of illness, and most children also do not require prescription or over-the-counter meds for treatment. However, your child should be seen by a provider if they are vomiting for over 24 hours or if you are worried about dehydration. Look for signs that your child is hydrated by monitoring their urine output - they should have at least 3 wet diapers or urinate at least 3 times in 24 hours. š¦
Remember, while gastroenteritis is uncomfortable, most kids recover fully with rest and fluids š„“
