Stomach Flu Treatment & Survival Guide

Could it be something worse?

One condition no parent or pediatrician wants to miss is appendicitis, which features a pretty bad stomachache and can involve vomiting too. Here are some ways to distinguish it from other conditions that target the tummy.

Kids with appendicitis will often:

• Have pain around the belly button that moves to the lower right side
• Have a fever
• Not want to eat
• Develop pain that is so severe they refuse to walk, jump, or even move

It can be a little tricky if a stomach bug comes with cramping right before a child has diarrhea, but if the diarrhea relieves it a little that’s a sign it might just be a bug. “If you’re thinking that it’s not just bad vomiting and diarrhea, but your child is really complaining of pain, that’s a good reason to call your doctor and see if they want to check your child out,” says Frankowski.