An emergency pediatric specialist has highlighted an important complication to watch for after experiencing norovirus, emphasizing that it’s more prevalent than many realize.

This vital insight was shared in a recent TikTok video posted by Dr. Meghan Martin, a Florida pediatrician known on social media as @beachgem10.

Dr. Martin frequently utilizes TikTok to share health tips, offer advice for the cold and flu season, and discuss the latest medical developments.

In her latest video, she delved into the topic of norovirus, a virus known for causing intense vomiting and diarrhea.

According to Yale Medicine, there was a notable rise in norovirus cases across the United States in January. This virus spreads easily through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.

If you or a loved one contracts this virus this winter, it’s crucial to stay alert for a potential complication that may arise afterward.

Dr. Martin illustrated this issue by recounting a recent case involving a young patient.

She noted treating a school-aged child who had been suffering from gastrointestinal problems for an entire month after the family was affected by norovirus in early January.

Pediatric doctor Meghan Martin has revealed a complication that you must look out for after you come down with a case of norovirus – and why it’s more common than you think

Initially, the child showed improvement but then experienced a week of constipation, followed by a few days of normalcy and then a return of diarrhea, which included some accidents.

Upon visitng the doctor, the child also reported difficulty urinating.

Dr. Martin took his vital signs and conducted several tests, confirming that the boy was in good health.

However, after examining his abdomen, the doctor opted for an X-ray, which revealed a significant stool buildup.

‘This child likely had an acute viral gastroenteritis—possibly norovirus—and then experienced constipation, leading to a condition called encopresis. This occurs when hard stool accumulates, causing softer stool to move around it instead of pushing through,’ explained Dr. Martin.

She noted that this situation was the reason for the child’s accidents, as he couldn’t feel the softer stool moving past the hard mass.

The urination discomfort was found to be another effect stemming from constipation.

Dr. Martin remarked, ‘This is a quite common scenario following a stomach virus like norovirus or another form of gastroenteritis.’

In January, the norovirus had a surge throughout the United States, per Yale Medicine (stock image)

‘The gastrointestinal motility can be affected for several weeks post-infection, and often patients consume a lot of low-fiber, high-carb foods like the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast), which don’t help the situation,’ Dr. Martin continued.

She elaborated that following a stomach virus, the balance of gut flora—which consists of both beneficial and harmful bacteria crucial for digestion—can be disrupted, alongside potential dehydration.

For this particular child, the doctor used an enema to relieve the constipation, followed by a gastrointestinal cleanse at home.

Furthermore, she advised him to adopt a high-fiber diet and have a follow-up appointment with his primary care physician.

‘After having a gastrointestinal virus, it’s essential to gradually resume your regular diet to support the healing of the GI tract and to ensure sufficient fiber intake for regular bowel movements,’ Dr. Martin said.

Many parents expressed their gratitude for the shared advice in the comments section of her video.

One user remarked, ‘My son currently has norovirus, so I appreciate this guidance to keep an eye on his recovery!’

Another added, ‘THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS! Our whole family had norovirus two weeks ago, and my poor child still complains of stomach pain every day.’