It’s the parenting rite of passage no one wants: that awful sound of retching at 2 AM. Yep, your kid has a stomach bug (probably norovirus, the pesky culprit behind 60% of kid cases). Cue the mad dash to the bathroom—and your mission to keep them hydrated, comfortable, and your couch puke-free.
Stomach bugs are highly contagious and incredibly common in children. They spread rapidly in daycares and schools where lots of little ones touch everything and wash hands inconsistently.
And when your kid’s stomach starts to swirl, you need to jump in quickly with a game plan.
That’s what this survival guide is here for—to offer advice and support when tummy troubles strike. You’re bound to have lots of questions, from “How long does a stomach virus last in kids?” to “What food to give a child with a stomach bug?”
We’ll answer these and more in our stomach bug 101.
What Is a Stomach Virus (Gastroenteritis) in Kids?
Viral gastroenteritis (aka a stomach bug) is one of the most common childhood illnesses. In fact, kids under five tend to get it once or twice a year.
What Is The Stomach Bug Going Around?
If you’re wondering, “What is the stomach bug going around?”, the chances are it’s norovirus—a highly contagious virus that’s responsible for 60% of acute gastroenteritis cases in the US.
These are the key signs of a stomach bug in kids:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
Stomach Bug Timeline: How Long It Lasts in Kids
According to Poppins Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Jackie Jimenez, “Vomiting tends to start suddenly and usually resolves in 12–24 hours. Diarrhea often comes at the same time and is your child’s body trying to get rid of the virus.”
Here’s a visual timeline of what you can expect when your kid gets a stomach bug:
How Do I Know If It’s a Stomach Bug or Food Poisoning?
You may also be wondering “How do I know if it’s a stomach bug or food poisoning?”
The short answer? It’s not easy because the symptoms are so similar. But we’re here to help with a breakdown of the two so can you identify (and treat) the culprit.
Stomach Bug vs. Food Poisoning: Key Differences
When your kid is doubled over with stomach cramps or sprinting to the bathroom, the panic is real. But not all tummy trouble comes from the same source. Most cases boil down to two main culprits: stomach bugs and food poisoning.
You may be wondering, “How do I know if it’s a stomach bug or food poisoning?”
The short answer? It’s not easy because the symptoms can look suspiciously similar—vomiting, diarrhea, general bathroom mayhem—but we’re here to help with a breakdown of the two so you can identify (and treat) the culprit.
Stomach Bugs (aka viral gastroenteritis)
Stomach bugs are a viral takeover that spreads fast and (spoiler) hits families like a domino line.
Causes
Caused by a virus—often norovirus or rotavirus—and spread through contaminated food, surfaces, or (let’s be honest) anything your sick kid touches. It’s a party no one wants to be invited to.
Onset
Symptoms usually pop up 24–48 hours after exposure.
Symptoms
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Fever and body aches
- Fatigue and irritability
While symptoms like vomiting usually resolve within 24 hours, your child might not feel like themselves again for a few days. And some viral strains can stick around even longer (just to test your limits).
Spread
Yes. Stomach bugs are highly contagious and often spread like wildfire—especially in households, classrooms, and daycares. Expect multiple casualties.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is a sudden illness caused by contaminated food or drink—typically striking fast, but only affecting those who consumed the source.
Causes
Blame bacteria, parasites, or toxins like Salmonella, E. coli, or Staph. If you eat something sketchy and feel awful a few hours later, this is your likely culprit.
Onset
Lightning speed: symptoms often show up 2–6 hours after eating contaminated food.
Symptoms
- Sudden, intense vomiting or diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Occasionally bloody stool (especially with E. coli)
- Fever may or may not show up
It’s a fast and furious illness, but most cases clear up within a day or two.
But food poisoning can be more serious in kids, especially those under five, due to their weaker immune systems and smaller bodies (which means faster dehydration). So if your child is under 5 and has bloody diarrhea, high fever, or signs of dehydration (like dry mouth, no tears, or low urine output), it’s important to call your pediatrician right away.
Spread
Nope. Food poisoning is not contagious. It only affects those who ate the offending food.
Stomach Bug or Food Poisoning? Quick-Reference Guide for Parents
What Else Could It Be?
Not every upset stomach is a bug or food poisoning.
Stress, overeating, and even medications can mess with your child’s digestive system, causing the same unpleasant symptoms. If you’re unsure of the cause, consult your pediatrician who can provide further guidance.
What to Do When the Vomiting Starts
“What can I do if my child has a stomach bug?” is a common question when vomiting strikes. Here are a few tips to get you through those initial hours.
The “Nothing-in, Nothing-out” Rule
For the first few hours, follow the “nothing-in, nothing-out” rule when it comes to food. Their stomach needs time to rest, so any food given too soon will likely come right back up.
Remember: this rule does not apply to liquids—it’s important to keep them hydrated!
Try To Make Them Comfortable
When your kid is down for the count, small things can make a big difference. Try the following to keep them comfortable:
- Apply a cool compress if they have a fever
- Dress them in light layers
- Get them comfy on the couch—blankets, their favorite stuffy, and of course, a sick bowl (do not forget the sick bowl!)
Monitor Dehydration
One of the most concerning side effects of a stomach bug is dehydration.
Kids lose fluids fast, and if they can’t keep anything down, dehydration can creep up fast. Be vigilant about dehydration and keep an eye out for these signs:
- Dry mouth
- Sunken eyes
- Peeing less frequently or producing fewer wet diapers
- Crankiness
- Drowsiness
- In babies, a sunken fontanelle (soft spot) on the top of their head
Jackie explains: “If your child hasn’t urinated in 8 hours, that’s a red flag for dehydration. Mild dehydration can be managed at home, but severe signs such as no urine for 12+ hours, dark urine, or no tears when crying mean it’s time to call the pediatrician or go to the ER.”
Electrolytes and the Right Way to Rehydrate
For mild dehydration with a stomach bug, water alone won’t cut it.
Jackie recommends that parents, “stick with oral rehydration solutions and avoid fruit juice, which can worsen diarrhea.” Rehydration solutions like Pedialyte replace lost electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium) and help your child bounce back faster.
What about ginger ale? While ginger can relieve nausea, ginger ale is loaded with sugar, which won’t help your kid rehydrate. If anything, it might make things worse.
So now that you know what to give your kid to stay hydrated, how do you get them to keep it down?
- Wait 30–60 min after vomiting.
- Start slow—try giving them 5ml at a time (about a teaspoon).
- Offer sips of clear liquids (pedialyte, broth).
- Wait five minutes before offering more.
- Keep it going for the next two to four hours—hydration is a marathon, not a sprint.
Reintroducing Solid Foods
Once your kid has made it to the 8-hour mark without vomiting, you can start to offer solid food again.
The key is to take it easy at first—stick to bland, stomach-friendly options. Jackie advises parents to: “Start slow and increase amounts as tolerated, avoiding sour, fried, and spicy foods.” A gentle approach helps your child’s gut recover without overwhelming their system.
How to Stop the Stomach Bug from Taking Down the Whole House
When one family member gets a stomach bug, there’s a high chance that someone else in the household will get it too. So, your next question is naturally, “How to prevent catching a stomach bug from my child?”
Here are the key steps to take to prevent a stomach bug from taking down the rest of the house.
Quarantine (but make it kid-friendly)
If one kid goes down, your mission is to keep it from becoming a family-wide event. That means gentle quarantine—think less hazmat suit, more “you get your own cozy setup.”
Set them up in one room (ideally with a bathroom nearby), and keep siblings out unless absolutely necessary. Separate towels, cups, and utensils. And yes, it’s okay to lean on extra screen time if it keeps them resting and everyone else at a safe distance.
Once they’re 48 hours past their last bout of vomiting or diarrhea? You’re likely in the clear.
Wash Hands
The real MVP here is handwashing. And we’re not just talking about a quick rinse. We’re talking full-on Olympic-level handwashing.
Encourage all household members to wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. It’s extra important to do this:
- Before eating, preparing, or handling food.
- After going to the bathroom or changing diapers.
- Before giving yourself or anyone else medication.
You may be wondering, what about hand sanitizer? Turns out, hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus. So stick to handwashing to minimize the spread of infection.
Disinfect
In addition to clean hands, you need to keep a clean house.
Norovirus is stubborn—like really stubborn. Most disinfectants (yep, even Lysol) won’t kill it off. Instead, reach for good old-fashioned bleach. Pay extra attention to high-touch zones like light switches, doorknobs, toilets, and sink handles—basically, anything your little germ-spreader touches.
But don’t go bleach-happy. Here are some tips for safe bleach use:
- Use a Diluted Solution. 5–25 tablespoons of regular, unscented bleach per gallon of water, depending on the surface.
- Use Safe Practices When Applying. Make sure the area is well-ventilated, keep kids out of the room while you clean, and never mix bleach with other cleaners (especially ammonia—it creates toxic fumes).
- Rinse Surfaces After. After disinfecting, rinse surfaces that kids might touch or mouth, like toys or high chair trays, with clean water.
When to Worry: Signs It’s More Than Just a Stomach Bug
Most stomach bugs aren’t anything to worry about and pass quickly.
But complications such as dehydration? That can be serious. We’ve already covered the symptoms of mild dehydration. So here’s what you should know about severe dehydration.
Look out for:
- Thirst
- Peeing less
- Not peeing at all
- Not sweating
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dehydrated skin
- Lack of tears when crying
- Lethargy
- Clamminess
If you notice any of these red flags, call the doctor.
Vomiting and diarrhea can also be symptoms of more serious illnesses. If you notice any of these signs, get medical attention immediately:
- Blood, bile (a greenish substance), or “coffee grounds” in vomit
- Stiff neck
- Headache
- Severe abdominal pain
- Pain on peeing
- Blood in the poop
- Confusion
- Seizure
Jackie advises the following: “Call us right away if your child has blood or bile in their vomit, worsening symptoms, severe abdominal pain, or new symptoms that weren’t there before. If your child can’t keep clear fluids down for more than 12 hours, or vomiting lasts more than 24 hours with no improvement, it’s time to see your pediatrician.”
Most kids get over stomach bugs within 24-48 hours, although they can last longer. Consult your pediatrician if symptoms last longer than 48 hours without improvement.
Stomach Bug in Kids: Parent FAQs on Symptoms, Contagion & Care
Q: How long does a stomach virus last in children?
- Vomiting: Typically stops within 12–24 hours
- Diarrhea: Can persist for 3–7 days
- Fatigue: May linger for 1–2 days post-recovery
Q: Is my child contagious? How long?
- Highly contagious (especially norovirus/rotavirus)
- Spread via: Surfaces, vomit/diarrhea particles, unwashed hands
- Contagious period: Up to 48 hours after last symptom
Q: How can I tell if it’s a stomach bug or food poisoning?
Key differences:
Q: What’s the best way to rehydrate my child?
- Use oral rehydration solutions (Pedialyte) – not water or juice
- Small sips: 1 tsp (5ml) every 5 minutes
- Avoid: Ginger ale (too sugary), dairy, acidic juices
Q: When should I call the doctor?
🩺 Seek medical help if your child has:
- No urine for 8+ hours or dark urine
- Blood/bile in vomit or stool
- Severe pain or stiff neck
- High fever (over 102°F/39°C)
Q: How do I clean after a stomach bug?
- Bleach solution: 5–25 tbsp/gallon water (kills norovirus)
- Focus on: Doorknobs, toilets, toys, light switches
- ⚠️Avoid: Hand sanitizer (ineffective against norovirus)
Q: When can my child return to school/daycare?
✅ Only when:
- 24+ hours without vomiting/diarrhea
- Eating normally
- Energy levels have been restored
The Aftermath: Recovery, Rest, and Getting Back to Normal
You made it through… congratulations! Now it’s time to send your little germ factory back to daycare or school. You’ll know they’re ready when:
- 24 hours from symptom resolution (no more vomiting/diarrhea).
- They are able to eat and drink as normal without vomiting.
- Their energy levels are up.
For some kids, it may take a little longer—post-stomach bug fatigue is real. If you notice that your child is lacking in energy and has difficulty concentrating, they may need extra time to recover. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned.
In the meantime, carry on with the bland foods and ensure your child stays hydrated. You can also begin to reintroduce fruits and vegetables—they need those vitamins and minerals for whatever bug comes next!
The Bottom Line: Stay Calm, Stay Clean, and Ride It Out
A stomach bug is most parents’ worst nightmare. But here’s the good news—most bugs are over within a few days, and you’ll soon be back to normal.
Keep up the cleanliness, let “Wash your hands!” be your mantra, and rest while you can. Soon you’ll be on the other side, and that pesky stomach bug will be a distant memory!
If you want more at-home care advice for your little one, Poppins’ pediatric clinicians are available 24/7 to offer support.
