Gastroenteritis is a very common childhood illness that is caused commonly by the virus, Rotavirus and Adenovirus as well as bacteria and microbes.
Symptoms of the stomach flu often settle within a few days or so as a child’s immune system is usually able to clear the infection but occasionally, being admitted into a hospital is needed if symptoms are severe, or if complications develop.
Treatment
Treatment is primarily supportive and is directed at preventing or treating dehydration. When possible, an age-appropriate diet and fluids are given.
Oral rehydration therapy using a commercial paediatric oral rehydration solution is the preferred approach to mild or moderate dehydration. Antibiotics such as metronidazole, co-trimaxole or cephalosporins may be added if bacteria is deemed the causative agent, only at the health provider’s discretion.
Do not indulge in self-medication!
You can also give paracetamol or Ibuprofen when there is fever or headache. You can also make a rehydration solution at home by combining 4 and half cups of water, 6 teaspoons of sugar and a half teaspoon of salt.
The best way to treat the stomach flu in children are hydration and rest .
Note: If you suspect that your child is dehydrated, or is becoming dehydrated, you should seek medical help immediately
(You can check our previous post on ‘Diarrhea in Children ' on what to do when diarrhea persists👉 https://www.mypaediatricdoctor.com/2022/02/what-to-do-when-my-child-has-diarrhea.html)
Prevention
The simple measure of washing hands regularly and properly is known to make a big difference in preventing gastroenteritis.
(Teach the child to sing the song ' Happy birthday to you ' twice to know they have washed long enough)
Proper storage, preparation and cooking of food and maintaining good hygiene helps to prevent the stomach flu.
Breast-feeding is also protective. Breast-fed babies are much less likely to develop gastroenteritis compared to bottle-fed babies, according to recent studies.
Immunization
As earlier mentioned, Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children. There is an effective vaccine against rotavirus and it is given to children at 2 and 3months of age.
What do you feed a child with who has the stomach flu
When a child is diagnosed of having the stomach flu, there are certain foods he/she should avoid to prevent worsening the condition or take to improve his/her immunity.
Children should avoid oily, heavy or spicy foods for a few days after they experience vomiting. Avoiding milk could be beneficial due to a transient lactose intolerance after the stomach flu, though infants should still breastfeed or have formula if able to tolerate.
Certain drinks, like apple juice or carbonated beverages can make vomiting or diarrhea worsen, so it’s best to stick to rehydration solution or plain water. If your child has nausea or vomiting again, it’s best to stop the food until their stomach has settled.
Once your child has stopped vomiting, you can then initiate eating food again. The best foods given after the stomach flu are the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, apple sauce and toast. These foods are easy to digest. Children can also have crackers, or barbecued or boiled chicken.
Dr. Favvy
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