Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, is a common illness in children that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Most children recover well at home with rest and fluids. However, some signs mean your child needs to see a healthcare provider in person. These include signs of dehydration, severe belly pain, or blood in vomit or stool. Telemedicine can help assess mild symptoms and guide care, but it cannot replace in-person exams when serious symptoms are present. Knowing when to seek urgent care helps keep your child safe and ensures they get the right treatment. This guide explains important warning signs and what telemedicine can and cannot do for stomach flu in children.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child shows signs of dehydration: dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, very little or no urine for 6 hours — seek in-person care immediately.
• Child has severe or worsening abdominal pain that does not improve — go to a healthcare facility promptly.
• Presence of blood or black, tarry stool or vomit — requires urgent medical evaluation in person.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild symptoms like low-grade fever, mild vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Providing advice on hydration and symptom management at home.
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation.
• Answering caregiver questions about illness progression and care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination to assess dehydration severity or abdominal tenderness.
• Laboratory tests such as stool cultures or blood tests.
• Administering intravenous fluids or medications.
• Emergency care for severe symptoms or complications.

What Is Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)?

Stomach flu, medically called gastroenteritis, is an infection that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It often leads to vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever. It is usually caused by viruses but can also result from bacteria or parasites. Children are especially prone to getting it because their immune systems are still developing.

Common Symptoms in Children

Typical symptoms include:

Most children improve within a few days with rest and fluids.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Contact a healthcare provider if your child has:

These signs may require in-person evaluation and treatment.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can:

However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or tests needed for serious cases.

Preventing Stomach Flu in Children

To reduce the risk:

These steps help protect your child and others.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child's symptoms and when they started.
• Note any recent exposures to sick individuals.
• Prepare to describe your child's fluid intake and urine output.
• Have a list of any medications your child is taking.
• Be ready to show your child's temperature if possible.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the tele-visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the hydration and feeding advice provided by the healthcare professional.
• Monitor your child closely for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Keep a record of your child's fluid intake and output.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek immediate in-person care if any red flags develop after the tele-visit.

FAQs

Can stomach flu be treated with antibiotics?

Most stomach flu cases are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are usually not helpful. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viral ones. Your healthcare provider can advise if antibiotics are needed based on symptoms and tests.

How can I prevent dehydration in my child with stomach flu?

Offer small, frequent sips of oral rehydration solutions or clear fluids like water, broth, or diluted juice. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks. Encourage your child to drink even if they feel nauseous, and watch for signs of dehydration.

When should I worry about my child's vomiting?

If vomiting is persistent and your child cannot keep fluids down for more than 8 hours, or if vomiting is accompanied by blood or severe abdominal pain, seek medical care promptly. Occasional vomiting that improves with fluids is less concerning.

Is it safe to give my child over-the-counter medicine for stomach flu?

Some medicines may not be safe for children with stomach flu. Avoid anti-diarrheal medications unless advised by a healthcare provider. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for fever or pain but follow dosing instructions carefully.

How long does stomach flu usually last in children?

Symptoms often last 1 to 3 days but can sometimes continue up to 10 days. Most children recover fully with supportive care. If symptoms last longer or worsen, consult a healthcare provider.

Sources

1. Gastroenteritis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Viral Gastroenteritis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Gastroenteritis in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Gastroenteritis — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child shows any red flags or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.