What to do if your child has a stomach bug?
They should pay particular attention to washing the hands:
- after using the toilet
- after changing diapers
- after caring for someone who has a stomach bug
- after cleaning up after someone
- before giving medicine
- before eating, preparing, or handling food
What to feed a child with a stomach bug?
- Plain cereal
- Bread
- Potatoes
- Peeled fruit
- Lean protein
- Cooked vegetables
Why is my child throwing up with no fever?
- Stomach Flu. This isn’t the same as influenza (the flu). ...
- Food Allergy. Sometimes throwing up is a sign your child is allergic to food they’ve eaten. ...
- Food Poisoning. ...
- Intestinal Obstruction. ...
- Concussion. ...
- Medications. ...
- Motion Sickness. ...
- Migraines. ...
- Stress. ...
What are the first signs of stomach flu?
“Stomach flu symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea,” Miller says. “A low-grade fever, chills and muscle aches aren’t uncommon to experience as well. Symptoms can start as little as 12 hours after exposure.” These symptoms can last anywhere from one to 14 days, and unfortunately, the stomach flu is extremely contagious.
How long does a stomach virus last in toddlers?
Most individuals will get a mild case of gastroenteritis. This means symptoms will usually resolve in 24 hours, or less. However, this digestive illness can linger for weeks. Occasionally, children will experience vomiting and/or diarrhea which last for and/or up to 14 days.
What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach bug in toddlers?
Lifestyle and home remediesLet your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water often. ... Ease back into eating. ... Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. ... Get plenty of rest. ... Try anti-diarrhea medications.
What foods soothe a stomach virus?
Foods to eat include clear broths, crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken. Avoid certain foods until you feel better. These foods include dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, processed foods, and fatty, spicy or highly seasoned foods. Be cautious with medications.
What helps a toddler's upset stomach?
Have the child lie down and rest. Don't give the child fluids for about 2 hours after the last vomiting episode. Then give the child clear fluids such as water or flat soda. Start with just a sip at a time.
How do you know if your child has a stomach virus?
If your child has the stomach flu, they may have hard-to-miss signs and symptoms like: diarrhea (usually watery and sometimes explosive) stomach pain and cramps. fever (usually mild and sometimes nonexistent)
Is yogurt good for stomach virus?
Yogurt: Since dairy products are less bland than any of the BRAT foods, they might be more tough on your stomach. However, if you can tolerate yogurt, it might be good for your stomach, especially if it contains probiotics, which help with digestion. Plus, yogurt contains fluid, which helps to stay hydrated.
Is it best to starve a stomach bug?
How is it treated? The most important thing to do is to rest the stomach and intestine. You can do this by not eating solid food for a while and drinking only clear liquids. As your symptoms go away, you can start eating soft bland foods that are easy to digest.
Are eggs good for an upset stomach?
Boiled, poached, or scrambled eggs are easy to prepare, eat, and digest. They are often suitable for people who are recovering from a stomach virus or nausea. The white contains less fat and is easier to digest, but many people with digestive problems can also tolerate the yolk.
What home remedy is good for a child's upset stomach and vomiting?
Home remedies for your child's upset stomachpopsicles.broth.ginger ale.nonsugary electrolyte beverages (such as Pedialyte)
How do you treat norovirus in toddlers?
How Is Norovirus Treated?They should get plenty of rest.Give lots of fluids to help your child stay hydrated.Give an oral rehydration solution (such as Pedialyte, Enfalyte, or a store brand) to replace lost fluids. ... Don't give your child any medicines unless recommended by their health care provider.More items...
When should I take my toddler to the hospital for vomiting?
Call Your Doctor If:Vomits clear fluids for more than 8 hours.Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours.Blood or bile (green color) in the vomit.Stomach pain present even when not vomiting.Dehydration suspected (no urine in over 8 hours, dark urine, very dry mouth, and no tears)You think your child needs to be seen.More items...•
How long do stomach bugs last?
Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within 1-3 days after you're infected and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days.
How to get rid of stomach bug in toddler?
You don’t want the rest of the family to pick up the stomach bug! Clean vomit and diarrhea immediately with a solution of 5 to 25 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water. In addition, clean and disinfect any areas your child has touched including beds, toys and bathrooms.
What to eat after stomach bug?
In the past, experts suggested eating bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce and toast after a stomach bug. Today, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children go back to their normal diets after they're hydrated. Think: slow and steady.
What to drink when a baby is vomiting?
When my poor baby is hurling over the toilet, I always have a fresh, cold glass of water waiting for him or her during every vomiting episode. Other tolerable drinks include ginger ale and tart lemon sodas.
How long does it take for a child to regain appetite?
Although your child can enjoy a variety of food from his or her regular repertoire, it’s important to be patient. It may take a day or two to regain a full appetite. Offer small portions and wait five to 10 minutes after your child finishes before asking how his or her tummy feels. Watch the sugar.
How to help a toddler who is vomiting?
For the first 24 hours your child is actively vomiting, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to focus on hydration and offer clear fluids such as water, ice pops and gelatin. Liquid s help prevent dehydration, and are less likely than solid foods to stimulate further vomiting. Monitor.
What to do if your child is dehydrated?
If you’re concerned your child may be dehydrated, call your pediatrician immediately or visit your local emergency room. Encourage rest and relaxation. Children usually exhibit a lack of energy when they are sick with a stomach bug.
Can you feed a child with stomach bug?
But there are better ways to help feed a child who is in the midst of a stomach bug. And once the unpleasant symptoms subside, certain foods can help ease your child back to their pre-stomach bug eating habits.
What to feed a child with stomach flu?
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.
How to treat stomach flu in kids?
The best ways to treat the stomach flu in kids are hydration and rest. "For hydration, use a rehydration solution that's available in any store and over the counter," says Dr. Rojas. "Start with small sips and increase gradually, so they don't vomit it up.". Water alone may not be enough to rehydrate kids safely, especially younger children.
What is the stomach flu?
The stomach flu, also called viral gastroenteritis, is not to be confused with the flu caused by the influenza virus. The stomach flu is caused by viruses, such as norovirus and rotavirus, that irritate and infect the digestive system. It can be a common illness among kids, who may not be as good at washing their hands as adults ...
How long does it take for a child to recover from diarrhea?
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.
Can apple juice cause diarrhea?
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.
Can antibiotics help with stomach flu?
Because the stomach flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help. "Usually we just need to let the virus run its own course," says Dr. Rojas. "Trying to take medications can prolong symptoms and make them worse.".
Can you eat spicy food after vomiting?
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.
How often should I give my child fluids?
What I recommend is giving small amounts of fluid every 15-20 minutes or so, which gives the lining of the gut time to absorb it (and doesn’t over-fill your child’s queezy stomach).
What happens when a child gets sick?
When your child gets sick with a stomach bug, life gets derailed. All of a sudden, schedules get rearranged, work gets missed, laundry piles up, survival mode kicks in, and all of your focus is directed to comforting and taking care of your little one (and making sure that siblings and YOU don’t get sick too).
Why do you have to let your child have a peanut butter sandwich?
But, when your child is sick–because nutrition and hydration are so paramount–the Division of Responsibility can take a back seat until they’re well. This means, if they would prefer a peanut butter sandwich to the casserole that was served for dinner, let them have the sandwich.
Can kids eat spaghetti?
Great! They feel like soup or spaghetti–let them have it! The truth is, children can eat a variety of foods that they would normally eat when they’re sick. Try offering smaller amounts (so that they don’t get overwhelmed and turned off), and focus on maximizing nutrition when they DO have an appetite.
Can a child eat a brat diet?
But the point is, it’s not necessary (or recommended) to limit your child to only BRAT diet foods. It’s better to let your child eat whatever nutritious foods they want to or will eat.
What is the stomach flu?
Viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu is an intestinal infection caused by viruses like rotavirus and norovirus. Stomach flu is caused by coming into contact with an infected person or contaminated food or water. Raw or undercooked food can also make one sick.
Does stomach flu get better on its own?
Stomach flu gets better on its own and there is no effective stomach flu treatment. Even so, there are certain things you can do to help your child feel better during the illness like replacing lost fluids with electrolyte water. This prevents dehydration from setting in.
What to do if your child has diarrhea?
Serve bland foods (bananas, plain pasta, crackers or plain toast) that won’t irritate your child’s digestive system any more than it already is — and avoid giving apple juice, dairy products and sugary foods, which can make your little one’s diarrhea worse. Rest and more rest.
Why do babies have stomach bugs?
Stomach viruses can be caused by a number of gastrointestinal illnesses, and sometimes they're not viruses at all but food poisoning from a bacterial infection. One of the most common causes of a stomach bug in babies and toddlers is rotavirus disease. This guide to symptoms, causes, treatments and prevention of rotavirus has ...
How long does the stomach flu last in a toddler?
Here are the most common symptoms of rotavirus and stomach flu in little ones: Vomiting and watery diarrhea, usually lasting three to eight days. Fever.
When to call your pediatrician for stomach flu?
It's a good idea to call your pediatrician at the first onset of stomach flu symptoms. It's especially important to call right away if your child has bloody diarrhea, excessive vomiting or a fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher).
How to tell if a child is dehydrated?
Also, contact your pediatrician right away or go to the emergency room if you notice any of these signs of severe dehydration — which may need to be treated with intravenous (IV) fluids in the hospital: Your child is very lethargic or difficult to wake up. Unusual fussiness. Crying with few or no tears.
What is the best medicine for a newborn?
Use fever-reducing meds if recommended. Give acetaminophen (to babies 2 months and older) or ibuprofen (to those 6 months or older) to reduce fever.
Can rotavirus cause diarrhea?
Rotavirus is a contagious viral infection, a leading cause of stomach flu (which isn't actually related to the flu) in infants and toddlers, and the most common cause of severe diarrhea in little kids. Rotavirus disease — which tends to rear its infectious head during the winter and spring months, though you can get it at any time ...