When you think of summer, you probably imagine BBQs, pool days, and travel—not being stuck in bed (or the bathroom) with stomach cramps and nausea. But every year, stomach bugs sweep through Kansas City during the summer months, catching families off guard and turning fun plans into sick days.
Whether it’s your toddler suddenly throwing up at daycare, your teen complaining of abdominal pain, or you waking up with chills and diarrhea after a weekend cookout, viral gastroenteritis—aka “the stomach flu”—is likely the culprit.
The good news? In most cases, these bugs can be managed safely at home. And with Saving Grace Kansas City, you don’t even have to leave the house to get help.
Here’s what KC families need to know this summer about what’s going around and how to treat it quickly.
Despite the nickname “stomach flu,” summer stomach bugs aren’t actually caused by influenza. Instead, they’re usually viral infections like:
These viruses attack the stomach and intestines, causing inflammation and unpleasant symptoms that can last anywhere from 1 to 5 days.
Right now in Kansas City, we’re seeing a surge in viral stomach illnesses, especially in:
In many cases, the illness starts with one family member (often a child) and spreads rapidly through the home. And because these viruses are extremely contagious, it only takes one touch of a contaminated surface or a shared drink to infect someone else.
Our medical team at Saving Grace has been responding to a wave of stomach bug calls across Overland Park, Liberty, Brookside, and beyond, with symptoms often hitting fast and hard.
The most common symptoms of a summer stomach bug include:
In children, symptoms can be more severe or appear differently. Watch out for:
While stomach bugs are miserable, they’re usually self-limiting, meaning they go away on their own with rest and hydration. Here’s how to manage symptoms safely:
Dehydration is the biggest risk, especially for kids. Encourage frequent sips of:
Avoid sugary sodas or fruit juices early on, as they can worsen diarrhea.
The best treatment is staying home and letting the body recover. Keep sick family members in a separate area if possible, and avoid unnecessary exposure to others.
Start with bland foods once vomiting stops, such as:
Avoid dairy, fatty foods, and anything spicy until digestion returns to normal.
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage fever or aches, but only under the direction of a provider—especially for young children.
Sometimes, a stomach bug turns into something more serious. Call Saving Grace Kansas City if you or a loved one experiences:
We offer same-day in-home visits to help with diagnosis, symptom management, and hydration support—without the risk of spreading illness in a waiting room.
When a stomach virus hits, the last thing you want is to sit in urgent care with a sick child—or worse, drive yourself across town feeling miserable. That’s where our in-home urgent care team steps in.
Saving Grace provides:
You stay in bed. We come to you.
Once one person in the house is sick, act fast to protect others. Tips:
Norovirus in particular can live on surfaces for days—so stay vigilant even after symptoms fade.
Stomach bugs are an unfortunate part of summer, but you don’t have to suffer through them alone—or risk exposing others to illness just to get care.
With Saving Grace Kansas City, help is only a text or call away. Whether it’s your toddler, teen, or you, our team is here to bring expert medical care straight to your doorstep—day or night.
No waiting rooms. No stress. Just real care that comes to you.
Because in KC… House Calls Are Back®.
