There are no particular medicines for viral gastro. Antibiotics are only effective in killing certain bacteria, they do not kill viruses.

It is important that your child only has antibiotics if they have a bacterial infection (rather than a viral infection such as rotavirus) as antibiotics can have some side effects, and resistance to antibiotics can build up in your child.

Medicines to reduce vomiting and diarrhoea are also not recommended as they have no proven benefit, can have unpleasant side effects and may even prolong the gastro.

The most important treatment for children with viral gastro is to ensure they have enough fluids. Dehydration due to loss of fluids from vomiting and diarrhoea can be serious and some children need hospital treatment.

Check your child to see if they have any signs of dehydration. If your child has any signs of dehydration contact your doctor.

If no signs of dehydration are present then you can use the following fluids and foods. Remember to keep checking your child for signs of dehydration and if symptoms appear, contact your doctor who will advise you on treatment and fluids for your child.

Fluids

The main treatment for gastro is replacing the fluids a child has lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. Fluid replacement or oral rehydration doesn't stop the vomiting and diarrhoea, but does help to prevent dehydration.

Children with gastro need regular amounts of clear fluids. Oral rehydration solutions, such as Gastrolyte, Repalyte or Hydrolyte, which are available from your pharmacy, are the best option.

If your child refuses to drink the oral rehydration solution, some safe alternatives are listed below.

Diluted cordial10 ml + 150 ml water
Diluted soft drink (e.g. lemonade)50 ml + 150 ml water
Diluted fruit juice50 ml + 150 ml water

  • Undiluted drinks may increase diarrhoea
  • Low-kilojoule (calorie) drinks are not appropriate

How much to give

The aim is to give at least as much fluid as your child has when they are well.

Food

  • It is not necessary to restrict food or formula.
  • Some children will not feel like eating, but if they are hungry let them eat even if the diarrhoea has not settled.
  • Breast feeding should be continued wherever possible, with extra fluids given between feeds.
  • Speak to your doctor or child health nurse if reintroduction of a normal diet has not been possible within two days.

Diarrhoea usually settles fairly quickly (five to eight days) and in most cases children can be treated at home with oral rehydration (giving fluids) therapy. But some children with severe diarrhoea and dehydration may need to be hospitalised for intravenous or intranasal rehydrating therapy.

The main treatment for rotavirus gastro is replacing the fluids a child has lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. Talk to your doctor or child health nurse if you are at all concerned about your child. Dehydration due to loss of fluids from vomiting and diarrhoea can be serious and some children may need hospital treatment.