Gastroenteritis

Stomach bugs, also known as gastroenteritis, are a common and often distressing illness for young children, characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes fever. While these infections usually last between three to seven days, they can vary in duration and severity. At Kids 1st Urgent Care, we combine our medical expertise with compassionate care to support your child through their gastroenteritis. Kids 1st Urgent Care follows the clinical pathways of leading pediatric institutions across the country. By adhering to these established guidelines and best practices, we ensure that our treatment approach to gastroenteritis is both effective and aligned with the latest advancements in pediatric care. This commitment to excellence helps us provide the highest standard of care for your child. We approach every case with compassion and understanding. We recognize how distressing stomach bugs can be for both children and parents. By offering effective treatments and ongoing support, we aim to ease the discomfort and speed up recovery of your child’s stomach bug, all while keeping you informed and reassured.

What Causes Stomach Bugs

Stomach bugs are frequently caused by highly contagious viruses like rotavirus and norovirus. While these viruses can lead to multiple infections, the initial case is often the most severe, with subsequent infections typically being milder.

How to Prevent Stomach Bugs

Preventing stomach bugs involves diligent hand hygiene and Disinfecting:

• Hand Washing: Ensure everyone in the family washes their hands thoroughly with soap and water before meals and after using the bathroom.
• Children with Diapers: For young children who are not toilet trained, handle and dispose of dirty diapers properly to avoid spreading the virus.
• Disinfection: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, especially in areas where someone has been sick.

When to Call Kids 1st Urgent Care

While most cases can be managed at home, certain signs indicate a need for medical attention:

• Dehydration: Symptoms include lethargy, irritability, excessive thirst, paleness, sunken eyes, and decreased urine output. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical advice promptly.
• Severe Symptoms: Contact Kids 1st Urgent Care if your child has a persistent fever, severe abdominal pain, or exhibits bloody diarrhea or vomit.

Kids 1st Urgent Care Treatment

• Anti-Nausea Medications: Our providers are equipped with medications to help manage nausea and vomiting, making your child more comfortable and aiding in their recovery.‍
• Hydration Support: We assist in maintaining your child’s hydration, offering guidance and treatments to ensure they receive adequate fluids.
• Diagnostic Support: If needed, we can order stool studies to identify the specific cause of your child’s illness, helping to tailor the treatment and manage the condition effectively.
• Expert Care and Coordination: Should your child require further evaluation or specialized care, our team is committed to facilitating a smooth transition to the appropriate healthcare providers, ensuring your child receives comprehensive and timely care.

Child-Friendly Environment

Understanding that medical treatments can be stressful for children, all of our providers have been trained by our Child Life Specialists on how to approach your child in a friendly and compassionate manner. We strive to make the experience as stress-free as possible, with a child- centered environment and a caring staff that helps ease any anxiety.

Kids 1st Urgent Care sources its medical research from leading authorities in pediatric medicine, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Texas Children’s Hospital.