What To Feed Child With Stomach Virus

Can Medication Help When My Baby Or Toddler Has The Stomach Flu

If your child has a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Medication won’t be helpful for a case of viral gastroenteritis because, like all viral infections, it just has to run its course.

Don’t give your child antidiarrheal medication it could prolong her illness and have potentially serious side effects. If your child’s symptoms are severe, her doctor may prescribe an anti-nausea, anti-vomiting medicine.

If your baby is older than 3 months and has a fever and seems uncomfortable, acetaminophen may help. Call the doctor first if your baby is younger than 3 months old.

What To Feed Your Child After A Stomach Virus

Though many symptoms of the viruses improve within 24-48 hours, it sometimes takes up to a week for the stomach and intestines to fully recover, and re-introducing foods at the right time can help to prevent further irritation. So find out the rules for re-feeding here.

Along with the winter dip in temperatures, also comes a rise in seasonal viruses. With a widespread flu outbreak this year, children are at an even higher risk of coming in contact with a virus that will keep them from school. Though the occasional stomach virus is likely inevitable, knowing what to feed your child shortly after a virus can help them bounce back and recover more quickly.

A viral gastroenteritis, or “stomach flu”, occurs when a virus infects the lining of the stomach and/or small intestine, causing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fatigue. After prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, the lining of the stomach and intestines become irritated, and change the ability of the body to digest and absorb food and beverages.

Though many symptoms of the viruses improve within 24-48 hours, it sometimes takes up to a week for the stomach and intestines to fully recover, and re-introducing foods at the right time can help to prevent further irritation.

The rules for re-feeding:

What A Toddler With An Upset Stomach Should Drink

• Electrolyte solutions. Electrolyte drinks are essential when your toddler has a stomach bug. We use Pedialyte in our house, though any electrolyte drink or sports drinks are great. I like that the Pedialyte comes in ready to use packets whenever illness strikes. The packets do not expire as quickly as the bottles.
• Fruit juice. You may wish to avoid citrus fruits if your child has a sore throat or upset stomach as citrus is very acidic. Some watered down juice might help settle their tummy.
• Ice pops. Popsicles are a good way to rehydrate your toddler, plus they feel like a treat. Pedialyte makes freeze pops that have electrolytes as well for extra rehydration.
• Coconut water. Like sports drinks, coconut water is loaded with electrolytes and vitamins.
• Ginger ale. Great for a stomach bug, ginger ale that is made with real ginger can help settle a tummy. If your child does not like the carbonation, stir the bubbles out with a spoon.
• Broth. Sipping on some broth can be soothing to an upset stomach and will help with hydration.
• Plain water. Back to the basics, sometimes plain water is all your childs stomach can handle.

The most important thing is that your child is getting plenty of fluids. If that means extra sugary drinks for a few days, thats OK. You can get back to your normal routine and regular diet once your child is feeling better.

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You’re Too Quick To Reduce Her Fever

Wrong Move Your little one has a low-grade fever, so you give her something to bring it down.

Better Bet Weigh the pros and cons. An elevated temperature is a sign that your child’s immune system is working to fight the infection, so why not let her body do the work on its own? If her temperature exceeds 101?F and she’s feeling crummy, though, cooling her down might make her more receptive to drinking liquids. Stick with acetaminophen, since ibuprofen can further irritate the stomach. If your child is vomiting, Dr. Altmann suggests starting with half the recommended dose of acetaminophen for your child’s age give her the other half about an hour later . If your child is old enough, you can also try acetaminophen tablets that easily dissolve in her mouth. If she can’t keep the medicine down, another possible option is using an acetaminophen suppository.

How Can I Take Care Of Myself

• Rest your stomach and intestines by following the suggested guidelines for your diet during the illness, but make sure you prevent dehydration by drinking enough liquids. Drink just small amounts or sips while you are having vomiting.
• Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines without checking first with your healthcare provider.
• Your symptoms are getting worse.
• You keep having severe symptoms for more than 1 or 2 days, or you are just not getting better after a few days.
• You start having symptoms that are not usually caused by stomach flu, such as blood in your vomit, bloody diarrhea, or severe abdominal pain.

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When To Call A Doctor

Most stomach viruses clear up in about 48 hours. If you have symptoms longer than this or if you cant keep anything down, including water, let your doctor know.

Your doctor will first make sure youre not dehydrated. This is can be harmful for you and for your baby. Next, youll probably need medical tests, like a physical checkup and blood tests to rule out other causes like:

• bacterial infection
• premature labor

An upset stomach from a bacterial infection can last longer than a stomach virus. It can also be more harmful during pregnancy for you and your baby.

Tell your doctor if you have stomach bug symptoms for longer than about 2 days. If you have a bacterial infection, like listeriosis, youll need antibiotic treatment.

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How To Prevent The Spread Of Gastroenteritis

Good old-fashioned handwashing with soap and water is still the best defence against spreading gastroenteritis.

You can prevent the spread of gastroenteritis to other people if you:

• Make sure everyone in the family washes their hands regularly, especially after they use the toilet and before they eat.
• Wash your childs hands with warm water and soap after they use the toilet and before and after they eat.
• Wash your hands before you feed and after you change your childs nappies.
• Clean kitchen tops, toys, toilet seats, nappy change tables and taps to ensure you dont spread the infection to others at home.
• Keep your child away from others until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped. If symptoms persist, visit your GP.
• Don’t allow your child to attend child care or school until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.
• Teach your child good hand hygiene by showing them how to become a Soapy Hero!

Remember, washing hands with soap and water is the best way to prevent gastroenteritis infection. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers while effective against some viruses , are not effective against gastroenteritis.

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The Truth About Stomach Flu

If your child suddenly has an attack of diarrhea and vomiting, and they complain of a stomachache, you may think to yourself, “stomach flu.”

No, not really.

What’s often called “stomach flu” is gastroenteritis, an infection of the stomach and intestines. The flu, or influenza, is different. It causes sore throats, runny noses, and general aches and pains. It rarely causes stomach problems.

Viral infections are the usual cause of gastroenteritis. Bacteria can sometimes bring it on.

The sickness usually passes in about 10 days without medication. The first few days tend to be the worst, but you can take steps to help your child get through it.

What Do You Feed A Child With The Stomach Flu

Once your child has stopped vomiting, they can start to eat foods again. The best foods after the stomach flu are the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

“These foods are very easy to digest,” says Dr. Rojas. “Children can also have crackers, or grilled or boiled chicken.”

Children should avoid greasy, heavy or spicy foods for a few days after they experience vomiting. Avoiding dairy could also be beneficial due to a transient lactose intolerance after 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 worse, 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 can settle.

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During Your Toddlers Stomach Bug: The Best Foods For Diarrhea & Vomiting

Because stomach bugs are viruses and viruses cant actually be treated, your toddlers bug just has to run its course. As hard as it is to see them so sick, all you can do as their parent is be there for them, cuddle them, maybe let the screen time rules slide for a few days, and focus on treating their symptoms. And one of the ways to do that is by focusing on a few easy nutrition tipsthings that will keep them feeling as good as they possibly can until the barf bowl can be safely cleaned and put away.

While your toddler is actively sick, the best thing for you to do is support their immune system by making sure they stay home, rest, and get plenty of fluids. Dont stress too much about what or how much theyre eating while theyre in the throes of a stomach bug. Instead, focus on hydration and getting some electrolytes into them.

What To Feed A Child With Stomach Flu

Stomach viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea, also called gastroenteritis, are among the most unpleasant facts of life for both adults and children 1. These illnesses are typically short in duration but produce intense symptoms.

Stomach viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea, also called gastroenteritis, are among the most unpleasant facts of life for both adults and children 1. These illnesses are typically short in duration but produce intense symptoms. Although most people do not want to eat during the acute phase of gastroenteritis, you must stay hydrated during your illness and then cautiously resume eating certain foods as you feel better. Use extreme caution in managing stomach illnesses in children because dehydration can occur quickly and may lead to serious complications.

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What Should My Baby Or Toddler Eat When She Has The Stomach Flu

If your child is eating solids, resume her normal diet as soon as she can keep liquids down. That includes such staples as whole-grain breads and cereals, lean meats, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables. If your child has a relatively mild case of gastroenteritis say, a little diarrhea but no vomiting and can tolerate eating, she can continue to eat normally throughout the course of her illness.

Stay away from food with a lot of sugar, including flavored gelatin, which can make stomach flu symptoms worse. Gastroenteritis can temporarily damage the lining of the small intestine, making it difficult to digest these sweet foods.

Studies show that reintroducing a standard diet soon after acute symptoms ease can shorten a child’s bout of gastroenteritis because it restores nutrients to the system that are necessary to fight infection. On the other hand, if the bug kills your child’s appetite and she misses a few days of good nutrition, don’t worry. As long as she stays hydrated, she’ll be fine.

Note: The BRAT diet that doctors used to advise feeding kids with the stomach flu is no longer recommended.

How To Tell If Your Child Has A Stomach Bug

His or her little body, doubled over in pain, and exhibiting symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, chills, fatigue and dehydration. Theres also often a loss of appetite and little interest in sipping any sort of drink.

Try low-sugar yogurt, too, as the probiotics in it help return the good bacteria to the gut. For about 24 to 48 hours after tummy troubles, dont feed your child any high-sugar, spicy or greasy foods, as it can aggravate her stomach. Skip apple juice because it can also bring back diarrhea. When you reintroduce milk, do so slowly.

Stomach pain usually resolves itself after your child: Theres no specific treatment for an upset stomach, but you can help relieve your childs symptoms. Trusted home remedies for stomach pain in kids include: When should I take my child to the doctor for stomach pain? Stomach pain in children is usually nothing to worry about.

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Reasons To Call The Doctor

Your child’s stomach will probably get better on its own, but speak to your pediatrician right away if you notice any of these symptoms:

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Q: What Is The Best Strategy To Combat Flu

JW: Start with small sips of simple fluids like water, unsweetened hot or iced tea, coconut water or an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte®. When choosing an oral rehydration solution, look for one that contains sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are the main electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Because these electrolytes help the brain send signals to muscles and nerves, replacing them along with lost fluids can help you feel better faster. Pedialyte has an optimal balance of sugar and electrolytes to combat dehydration during the stomach flu.

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Does Lemon Water Help With Bloating

As a bonus, lemon juice helps to loosen the toxins floating around in your GI tract, relieve the painful symptoms that accompany indigestion, and even reduce the risk of burping and bloating resulting from excess gas production in your gut. Lemon water can keep your digestive system purring like a kitty all day long.

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How Long Does The Stomach Flu Last In Kids

A stomach flu usually lasts between one and three days. Vomiting typically lasts for less than 24 hours.

However, if your child’s symptoms continue for more than 5 days, you should call your pediatrician. You should also call your pediatrician if your child has:

• Diarrhea or vomiting with blood
• Signs of dehydration like not urinating, dry skin, no tears or rapid breathing

With the right rest and rehydration, your child should make a full recovery in just a few days. Dr. Rojas says they can even return to school once the diarrhea has stopped and they have not had a fever for 24 hours.

The best ways to treat the stomach flu in kids are hydration and rest. Learn signs, symptoms and other ways to treat stomach flu in kids from an expert @Childrens.

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What Can I Do If My Child Has The Stomach Virus

Treatment is mainly supportive and the most important thing to do is keep your child from getting dehydrated.

• Start with small, frequent sips of clear liquids . Avoid fruit juices they can make diarrhea worse!
• Once your child is able to keep clear liquids down for 6-12 hours, you can start them on a bland diet .
• Once they are tolerating the bland diet for 12 hours, you can progress to regular food slowly.
• If the diarrhea continues, try cutting out milk and other dairy products for a few days. Some kids will have trouble digesting milk and other dairy products and this can prolong the diarrhea.

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Q: Are There Any Foods And Drinks To Avoid With The Stomach Flu

JW: Too much sugar pulls excess water into the gut, which can make diarrhea worse, so avoid sugary foods and drinks like cookies, soda, juice and sports drinks. Foods that are high in fat or fiber can be difficult to digest, and spicy foods can be very irritating to your digestive system, so I’d steer clear of those until you’re back on your feet. Because the body loses important calories and nutrients via diarrhea and vomiting, eating healthy foods and rehydrating is key to recovery from the stomach flu.

If you are experiencing symptoms of the stomach flu or have concerns about the flu and dehydration always consult your healthcare provider.*

*Note: This column is for general educational and informational purposes only. The information and the opinions of the author expressed do not constitute medical advice. Speak to a medical professional if you need personal health advice.

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What Should I Eat If I Have Viral Gastroenteritis

When you have viral gastroenteritis, you should drink plenty of liquids to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. You may vomit after you eat or lose your appetite for a short time. When your appetite returns, you can most often go back to eating your normal diet, even if you still have diarrhea.

When children have viral gastroenteritis, parents and caretakers should give children what they usually eat as soon as their appetite returns. Parents and caretakers should give infants breast milk or formula as usual.