Gastroenteritis in Children in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Gastroenteritis (often called “gastro” or “stomach flu”) is a bowel infection that causes diarrhea and sometimes vomiting. Diarrhea means frequent, loose, or watery stools. Vomiting may settle within a day or two, but diarrhea can last up to 7–10 days.

In children, especially babies and toddlers, gastroenteritis can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can become serious quickly, particularly in very young babies, so early recognition and treatment are important.

In Grand Rapids, MI, parents can access high-quality pediatric care through major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health. Knowing when to care for your child at home and when to seek local medical help can make a big difference.

What Causes Gastroenteritis in Children?

Gastroenteritis in children can be caused by:

  • Viruses – such as norovirus and rotavirus (very common in child care and schools)
  • Bacteria – such as E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter
  • Parasites – such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium
  • Toxins or chemicals – in contaminated food or water
  • Certain medications – such as some antibiotics

If your child gets “stomach bugs” more than once, the cause may be different each time.

In the Grand Rapids area, children can be exposed to germs:

  • In daycare centers, schools, and churches
  • At indoor play areas (especially during long Michigan winters)
  • Through contaminated food or water, including from camping, swimming in local lakes or rivers, or well water that is not properly treated

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health monitor local outbreaks of gastrointestinal infections and provide guidance to families and schools.

How Gastroenteritis Spreads

Gastroenteritis Can Spread Quickly

Infectious gastroenteritis is highly contagious. It spreads through:

  • The fecal–oral route – tiny amounts of stool from an infected person get onto hands, surfaces, toys, or food, then into another person’s mouth
  • Contaminated food or water
  • Close contact – such as sharing utensils, cups, towels, or living in close quarters

This is why outbreaks are common in child care centers, schools, and long-term indoor settings, especially during the colder months in Michigan when kids spend more time inside.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis in Children

Children may not have every symptom. Common signs of gastroenteritis include:

  • Diarrhea (loose or watery stools)
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bloating or gas
  • Abdominal cramps or pain
  • General feeling of being unwell or tired (lethargy)
  • Body aches
  • Fever (sometimes)
  • Bloody or pus-filled stools in some bacterial infections (this is more serious and needs medical attention)

Babies under 6 months can become ill and dehydrated much more quickly than older children and should be watched very closely.

Dehydration: The Biggest Risk

Watch for Signs of Dehydration

Dehydration happens when your child loses more fluid than they take in from diarrhea, vomiting, or fever. This is a particular concern during dry indoor heating in West Michigan winters, which can worsen fluid loss.

Seek medical advice right away if your child shows any signs of dehydration, such as:

  • Dry mouth and tongue
  • No tears when crying
  • Sunken eyes
  • Fewer wet diapers (no urine for 6+ hours in infants, 8+ hours in older children)
  • Dark yellow urine
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Unusual sleepiness, drowsiness, or difficulty waking
  • Fast breathing or rapid heartbeat
  • Irritability or fussiness that is not usual for your child

Call your child’s doctor, an urgent care clinic, or visit a local emergency department at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or U of M Health–West if you are concerned about dehydration.

How to Keep Your Child Hydrated

Children With Gastroenteritis Must Keep Drinking

If your child has gastroenteritis, fluids are more important than food in the first 24 hours.

For Breastfed Babies

  • Continue breastfeeding as often as your baby wants.
  • Offer extra feeds to replace lost fluids.
  • If your baby is vomiting, offer shorter, more frequent feeds.

For Bottle-Fed Babies

  • Continue their usual formula, but in smaller, more frequent amounts.
  • Your doctor may recommend an oral rehydration solution (ORS) from a Grand Rapids pharmacy (e.g., Meijer, Walgreens, CVS, or local independent pharmacies) if dehydration is a concern.

For Older Babies and Children

  • Offer clear fluids often:
    • Water
    • Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) from a pharmacist – follow the instructions carefully
    • Diluted natural fruit juice (for example: 1 tablespoon juice to 4 tablespoons water), if ORS is not available and your child refuses other fluids
  • Give 150–200 mL of fluid after each large vomit or bout of diarrhea (about ½–¾ cup, depending on age).
  • If your child is vomiting frequently, give small sips:
    • About a mouthful every 10–15 minutes
    • Use a spoon or syringe if needed

It is important to keep giving fluids even if the diarrhea seems to get worse. The body still needs the fluid.

What to Do When Your Child Is Vomiting

Practical Steps at Home

  • Offer a drink every time your child vomits.
  • For frequent vomiting:
    • Give tiny amounts (1–2 teaspoons or a small sip) every 10–15 minutes.
    • If they keep it down, gradually increase the amount.
  • Do not give:
    • Sugary drinks (soda, sports drinks, undiluted juice)
    • Very sweet or caffeinated beverages
      These can worsen diarrhea.

Do not give over-the-counter medicines to stop vomiting or diarrhea unless a Grand Rapids pediatrician or family doctor specifically recommends them. Some can be unsafe for children.

Can My Child Eat With Gastroenteritis?

Your Child May Refuse Food at First

It is common for children with gastroenteritis to not feel like eating. This is usually not a problem as long as they are drinking enough fluids.

Modern medical guidance suggests there is no need to strictly restrict food if your child wants to eat.

If your child is hungry:

  • Offer their usual foods, including:
    • Toast, bread, crackers
    • Rice, pasta, potatoes
    • Lean meats, eggs
    • Yogurt
    • Fruits and vegetables they normally tolerate
  • Avoid very fatty, greasy, or spicy foods until they are feeling better.

Let your child eat small, frequent meals rather than large ones.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Call or See a Doctor Urgently If Your Child:

  • Is under 6 months old and has diarrhea or vomiting
  • Vomits often and cannot keep any fluids down
  • Is not drinking or refuses all fluids
  • Shows any signs of dehydration
  • Has blood or mucus in their stool
  • Has severe or worsening abdominal pain
  • Has a high fever or fever that does not improve with acetaminophen (Tylenol), as directed by your doctor
  • Is more sleepy, floppy, or difficult to wake than usual
  • Has diarrhea or vomiting that lasts more than a few days without improvement

Babies under 6 months who have gastroenteritis may need to be checked by a doctor and often need a follow-up visit 6–12 hours later to be sure they are staying hydrated.

Local Care Options in Grand Rapids, MI

You can seek help from:

  • Your pediatrician or family doctor (Corewell Health, Trinity Health, U of M Health–West, Mercy Health, or independent practices)
  • Urgent care clinics across Grand Rapids and Kent County
  • Nurse advice lines offered by local health systems
  • The Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for public health information and outbreak updates

Preventing Gastroenteritis in Your Family

Handwashing: Your Best Defense

Good old-fashioned handwashing with soap and water is still the most effective way to prevent gastroenteritis.

Teach your child to:

  • Wash hands with warm water and soap:
    • After using the toilet
    • After a diaper change
    • Before eating or handling food
    • After playing outside or with pets
  • Scrub for at least 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice).

Parents and caregivers should:

  • Wash hands before feeding a child and after changing diapers.
  • Clean and disinfect:
    • Kitchen counters
    • Bathroom surfaces and toilet seats
    • Diaper changing tables
    • Toys, especially shared toys in homes or daycare

In Michigan, where kids spend more time indoors during cold winters, germs spread especially easily in enclosed spaces—making hand hygiene even more important.

Keep Sick Children at Home

To prevent spreading infection:

  • Do not send your child to child care, school, sports, church nursery, or playgroups until 48 hours after diarrhea and vomiting have completely stopped.
  • Keep them away from high-risk people:
    • Newborns
    • Pregnant women
    • Older adults
    • People with weakened immune systems

Hand Sanitizer vs. Soap and Water

While alcohol-based hand sanitizers are helpful against some germs (including coronaviruses), they are not reliably effective against all causes of gastroenteritis, such as norovirus.

Whenever possible, use soap and water. Use hand sanitizer only when soap and water are not available, and wash with soap and water as soon as you can.

Local Public Health and Support Resources in Grand Rapids

Families in Grand Rapids and Kent County can access information and support from:

  • Kent County Health Department – information on local outbreaks, safe food and water, and infection prevention
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs – child health, immunizations (including rotavirus vaccine), and family education
  • Local school nurses – guidance when gastroenteritis affects school attendance
  • Hospital nurse advice lines – available through systems like Corewell Health, Trinity Health, and U of M Health–West

In an emergency, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or your closest hospital).

Key Points About Gastroenteritis in Children (Grand Rapids, MI)

  • Gastroenteritis is a bowel infection that causes diarrhea and sometimes vomiting.
  • Dehydration is the main risk, especially in very young babies.
  • Gastroenteritis is usually caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites and spreads easily in child care, schools, and indoor winter settings.
  • Children with gastroenteritis must keep drinking fluids, even if diarrhea seems to worsen.
  • Breastfeeding should continue, and formula-fed babies usually keep their normal formula in smaller, more frequent feeds.
  • Most children can eat their usual foods when they feel hungry—strict food restriction is not usually necessary.
  • Good handwashing with soap and water is the best way to prevent infection and stop it from spreading.
  • Keep your child home from school or daycare for 48 hours after symptoms stop.
  • Seek medical care from a Grand Rapids pediatrician, urgent care, or emergency department if your child shows signs of dehydration, has blood in their stool, is very sleepy, or if you are worried about their condition.

If you are unsure whether your child needs to be seen, contact your child’s doctor or a local nurse advice line for guidance based on your child’s symptoms and your location in the Grand Rapids area.