Many types of viruses settle in the stomach or gastrointestinal tract and cause illness. Children may become infected with rotavirus or norovirus, two viruses that commonly cause stomach illness in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A 2-year-old may develop early symptoms of a stomach virus, or may experience several symptoms at once. Early symptoms may quickly develop into more severe symptoms, as well.
Irritability
Young children are not always able to communicate feelings of illness. A young child with a viral stomach infection may be irritable or crabby in response to feeling sick. She may be restless, cry more than usual or have trouble settling into a nap or quiet play.
Reduced Appetite
A 2-year-old with a stomach virus may have a sudden food aversion. Her tummy may feel upset, leading to a reduced appetite. She may take only a few bites of a meal and feel full, or refuse to eat all together. Encouraging the child to drink fluids is necessary, however, to stave off dehydration. KidsHealth suggests offering a child small, frequent sips of water throughout the day. Fruit juices and soft drinks should be avoided, as these can make diarrhea worse, if it occurs, and do not hydrate the body effectively.
Fever and Pain
A child may develop a fever with a viral stomach infection. The Mayo Clinic advises seeking medical attention for a child with a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, especially if combined with diarrhea or vomiting. Some children also develop abdominal pain caused by intestinal cramping. Cramping may be an early sign of stomach illness; diarrhea may also develop. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that diarrhea usually begins one to two days after a viral exposure, though other symptoms may appear earlier.
Diarrhea and Vomiting
KidsHealth states that diarrhea caused by a stomach virus may appear after additional symptoms; however, some children develop diarrhea right away. Diarrhea may be loose, watery stools that occur frequently. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. KidsHealth states that bloody diarrhea, however, is not normal for a viral stomach infection, and should be medically evaluated.
