Stomach Flu
Fever is a common symptom of flu-like illness.
Is It Stomach Flu? What Parents in Southwest Washington Need to Know
From Little Spuds Pediatrics – In-Home Pediatric Urgent Care Serving Vancouver, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, La Center, Felida, Woodland, Kalama, Camas, Kelso & Washougal
When your child suddenly starts vomiting or having diarrhea, whether you're in Vancouver, Battle Ground, or Ridgefield, it’s easy to worry: “Is this just a bug—or something more serious?” Gastroenteritis—better known as the stomach flu—is one of the most common illnesses we see in kids throughout Clark County, especially during the warmer months or after time spent in school, daycare, or summer camps.
Though it shares a name with the flu, the stomach flu is different. It affects the stomach and intestines—not the lungs or throat—and it’s usually caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus. It spreads quickly among families, classmates, and neighborhood playdates—from Woodland to Kelso and everywhere in between.
Common Symptoms:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Belly cramps
Fever or chills
Headache or tiredness
Most cases in Southwest Washington can be treated at home. Kids usually get better in a few days with rest and fluids.
Home Care Tips:
Give small sips of electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte or popsicles like Pedialyte pops (available locally in stores or from amazon)
Try bland foods like toast, crackers, or rice once vomiting stops
Avoid soda or sugary juices—they can make symptoms worse
Let your child rest
Keep your child home until symptoms are gone for 24+ hours
Washing hands with soap and water stops germs from spreading at home.
Clean shared surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, and bathrooms with a bleach solution.
When to Call a Pediatric Provider:
Call if your child:
Can’t keep fluids down
Hasn’t peed in 6–8 hours
Is very sleepy or has dry lips
Has a high fever
Vomits for more than 24 hours
Has blood in vomit or stool
Get Care Without Leaving Home
At Little Spuds Pediatrics, we provide mobile pediatric urgent care for families in Vancouver, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, Felida, La Center, Kalama, Woodland, Camas, and Kelso. If your child is sick, we’ll come to you—no crowded waiting rooms, no long drives.
📲 Book your in-home visit today at www.littlespudspediatrics.com
We’re proud to support Clark County families—one healthy kid at a time.