How to Guard Against Stomach Viruses

Mar 18, 2025 / Colds & Illnesses

It’s that time of year again—the dreaded season of when stomach viruses are once again circulating in our schools and communities.

Educating yourself and your kids about these viruses, including what to expect when your child gets sick, when to call your pediatrician, and how to protect against stomach viruses, can empower you to better care for your family & help keep them healthy.

What is Gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is an infection of the digestive system that’s commonly caused by highly contagious viruses including norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus. Although gastroenteritis is often referred to as the stomach flu, it’s not influenza (which affects the respiratory system), but rather an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

While stomach viruses can differ in how long it takes for symptoms to start and how long symptoms last, they can all cause bouts of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis generally last 1 to 3 days. With most viruses, vomiting stops after about 24 hours as the infection moves through the stomach and intestines. This is why it’s commonly referred to as the “24-hour flu.” Sometimes though, symptoms can last longer, especially in infants or younger children, if kids have a more severe infection, or if they eat or drink more than their stomachs can handle.

How Are Stomach Viruses Spread?

Viral gastroenteritis is usually spread by coming into contact with the vomit or feces of an infected person. Person-to-person contact is the most common way to contract these viruses, but they can also easily spread on surfaces like doorknobs, bathroom faucet handles, toys, books, even food and drink.

These viruses are highly contagious and most kids develop symptoms within 12 to 48 hours after being exposed. Kids and adults who come down with gastroenteritis can be considered contagious for up to two weeks.

How to Prevent Stomach Viruses in Kids

Despite the extremely contagious nature of stomach viruses, there are effective steps you can take to help prevent its spread and keep your family healthy.

Wash Hands Often: It’s important to wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food. It’s also important to know that hand sanitizer isn’t very effective against stomach viruses, so it shouldn’t be used to replace hand washing with soap.
Take Care with Cleanup: Unfortunately, cleanup duty is a part of being a parent. And, the process of cleaning up any vomit or diarrhea itself can actually spread viruses further. Be sure to wear disposable gloves when cleaning up and wash all contaminated clothes and linens in hot water. Try to disinfect areas where your child has been sick as best you can with bleach or Lysol cleaner.
Clean Surfaces: If someone in your home becomes sick, take time to clean any contaminated surfaces using gloves & a disinfectant as often as possible. Disinfect bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchens and clean surfaces like light switches, countertops, toilets, baths, showers, etc. Anywhere a sick person has been, the virus will follow.
Wash & Cook Foods Properly: Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetable before eating. Make sure any meats or seafood are completely cooked to eliminate any potential viruses that might be on them. Avoid sharing food or drinks with family members that are sick. Remember, they may be contagious for as long as two weeks.
Stay Home: If your kids are sick with gastroenteritis, keep them home from school for several days while they recover – typically 48 hours after symptoms stop.

When Should My Child See A Pediatrician?

Most kids with viral gastroenteritis will get better within 1-3 days and don’t require any medical intervention. It’s important to make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Signs of dehydration include decreased urination or wet diapers, dry mouth, crying with little to no teams, feeling dizzy when standing up, or unusual sleepiness or fussiness.

Call or visit a pediatric clinic if your child shows signs of dehydration, continues to vomit, or has a high fever for several days.

Conclusion

Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious and never fun to deal with. And although it’s not usually serious, it doesn’t have to be part of your family’s annual winter plan. Do your best to help kids wash hands, avoid sharing food and drink with family and friends, clean surfaces consistently, call your children’s doctor with questions, and you can help your kids and family stay healthy during peak stomach virus season.