what to feed kid with flu

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What do you feed a child with the stomach flu?

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.

What are the best foods to feed a sick child?

Foods, such as bananas, carrots, and white rice, are also good foods to feed your child, as they help normalize bowel movements, as well as provide necessary nutrition. Nausea might be the hardest thing to watch your child suffer through, and they would agree. But there are foods and drink that can help relieve their upset.

What to eat when you have the flu?

Still, it’s all about eating the right foods for your condition. Consider eating the following foods when you have the flu. 1. Broth. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or vegetable, broth is one of the best things you can eat when you have the flu.

How to care for a child with the flu?

How to Care for a Child With the Flu 1 Understanding Symptoms. The symptoms of the flu are similar in children to those of adults,... 2 Because young children are at much higher risk for severe complications... 3 Fever and the Flu. A child between ages zero and three months whose rectal temperature is... 4 Rest and Fluids. Knowing how to care...

What food is good for flu recovery?

The best foods for fighting the fluBroth. Broth is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and it helps prevent dehydration. ... Chicken soup. ... Ice pops. ... Fruits and veggies with vitamin C. ... Leafy greens. ... Fruit or vegetable juice. ... Herbal tea. ... Garlic.More items...•

What do you feed a sick child with no appetite?

A sick child may have a poor appetite so serve up mini meals based on their favorite types of foods. Frequent small meals are easier to digest and will help meet their energy needs. Steer clear of rich, fried, greasy foods and lean toward simple starches such as rice and noodles as these are easy on the stomach.

Should I let my sick child sleep all day?

Sick children get very tired and need plenty of rest. Encourage your child to doze off when they need to, perhaps with a story read by you or on a mobile device or CD. Never fall asleep with a sick baby on the sofa with you, even if you're both exhausted.

What are Covid symptoms in kids?

Fever and cough are common COVID-19 symptoms in both adults and children; shortness of breath is more likely to be seen in adults. Children can have pneumonia, with or without obvious symptoms. They can also experience sore throat, excessive fatigue or diarrhea.

What to do if your child has no appetite?

Tips to Increase Your Child's AppetiteBuy Their Favorite Foods. When grocery shopping, buy things you know your child loves. ... Set Regular Times to Eat. This includes both snacks and meals. ... Don't Offer Them Alternative Options. ... Encourage Physical Activity. ... Have Meals at the Dinner Table. ... Keep Distractions Away.

How long can a sick child go without eating?

Not eating is a good thing. If you force them to, they could lose it all over again. Don't give them solid foods for about eight hours once they've started vomiting. Clear liquids only.

How long a child can go without eating?

How long can a child go without eating? An article in Archiv Fur Kriminologie states the body can survive for 8 to 21 days without food and water and up to two months if there's access to an adequate water intake. Modern-day hunger strikes have provided insight into starvation.

How can I increase my child's appetite naturally?

20 suggestions for boosting a healthy appetite in your little one1) Compulsory breakfast. ... 2) Offer water 30 minutes before meal time. ... 3) Feed every two hours. ... 4) Snacks are meals. ... 5) Peanut is not just any nut. ... 6) Don't make milk a meal. ... 7) Offer favourite foods. ... 8) Offer small bites.More items...

What are some good foods for kids to eat?

Sweet Potatoes. These bright orange spuds are loaded with vitamin A, a key immune system nutrient that helps keep tissue in the mouth, intestines, and respiratory tract healthy. Just a half cup of cooked sweet potatoes has double the A that kids need every day.

What is the best food for the immune system?

Meat is naturally high in protein, a critical component of the immune system. Beef and pork especially are also some of the richest food sources of zinc, a mineral used by the body to make T-cells, which play a starring role in immunity. Other good sources of zinc are cashews, chickpeas, and kidney beans.

Is yogurt good for kids?

Yogurt. It's smart to give your kids some kind of probiotic on a regular basis, especially during cold and flu season. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help strengthen the immune system by populating the GI tract and crowding out the bad bugs that can cause illness.

What happens when a child gets the flu?

The flu comes on suddenly. You will likely notice that your child seems perfectly fine and healthy and then all of a sudden develops a fever, fatigue, body aches, and other symptoms of the flu such as sore throat and cough.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

1 . The flu comes on suddenly.

What temperature should a child be at?

When it comes to a child with a fever, there are two situations when you should call the doctor immediately: 1 An infant up to 3 months whose rectal temperature is above 100.3 degrees or below 97 degrees: Babies this young cannot regulate their temperatures well, so you shouldn't wait to call the doctor. 2 A child between ages 3 months and 6 months with a rectal temperature of over 101 degrees: Although these older babies can regulate their body temperature better than when they were younger, a temperature over 101 degrees is still a serious concern.

How to keep a child from getting dehydrated?

If your child is vomiting or having diarrhea, it's important to be sure he or she doesn't get dehydrated. Once the vomiting stops, the best way to maintain hydration and replace lost electrolytes is to give the child small sips of Pedialyte. 4  Space these sips out; give one every five to 10 minutes so you can be sure your child is able to keep the fluids down.

What happens if a child has a high fever but is active?

If your child has a high fever but is active and behaving pretty normally, you needn't be as concerned as you should be if, despite having only a low fever, your child seems unhappy and doesn't want to play.

Should sick children stay in bed?

But there's no need to make sick children stay in bed all day if they feel like getting up. Kids are pretty good about not pushing themselves too hard when they don't feel well. As noted earlier, you can usually feel confident basing your treatment on your child's behavior.

Is a high fever bad for kids?

In general, even a high fever is not harmful in itself (unless caused by environmental factors, such as being out in the sun or in a hot car). For example, if your child's temperature is 102 degrees, but he or she is still running around playing, there's no reason for concern and no reason to treat it.

How to keep kids healthy during cold season?

Of course, the best way to keep your kids healthy is to make sure they get plenty of sleep, plenty of fluids and a diet rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals and whole grains. I know.

What is the best vitamin for colds?

Vitamin C. found in strawberries, oranges, potatoes, bell peppers and raw leafy vegetables. For decades vitamin C has been the go-to nutrient to prevent and treat colds. But, according to Mayo Clinic, it may not be doing much.

What is the best vitamin for a sore throat?

The great thing about vitamin C is that it's found in all kinds of sweet fruits that kids love. Blend up a fruit smoothie, which will feel great on a sore throat. If your kids are into salad (we can dream, right?), check out our recipe for Strawberry Mango Salad.

What are the nutrients in eggs for babies?

Eggs have both fat and vitamin E. Giving your kids scrambled eggs or an omelette with lots of cheese kills two birds with one stone. More: Vitamins and Minerals for Babies.

Is it safe to give vitamin E to kids?

That said, vitamin E does boost the immune system in general, and protects it against free radicals. So, giving it to your kids in healthy doses isn't a bad idea. Fun fact: Vitamin E is best absorbed by the body when eaten with fatty foods.

Does zinc help with colds?

Like vitamin C, it doesn't seem to prevent illness, but it does shorten the duration of colds and flu.

Do fruits and vegetables help with colds?

We all know that fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals. While all vitamins and minerals are important in different ways, not all of them prevent or help fight colds and the flu. In fact, some of the old standbys our parents used don't actually work.

How to help a child with the flu?

Encourage your child to breathe in moist, warm water vapors from a shower or bath to loosen mucus. Avoid giving cough and cold medications to kids. Learn why these medications are not recommended for young children. For children over 6 months old, give your child plenty of warm fluids. Some symptoms of the flu in kids warrant medical attention.

How to help a child with a sore throat?

Consider using a cool mist humidifier to soothe an irritated or sore throat. Only for children older than 1 year, give a teaspoon of honey prior to brushing their teeth to help with nighttime cough. See more cough remedies for kids. For children who are too young to blow their nose, use a bulb suction to remove mucus.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of the flu can include sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.

What to feed a child with a cough and a runny nose?

But what are your best bets for feeding them when they are mildly sick with a little sneezing, a cough and a runny nose? Diluted fruit juices, water, soup and broth are great ways of replenishing fluids.

How to help a sick child eat?

Frequent small meals are easier to digest and will help meet their energy needs. Steer clear of rich, fried, greasy foods and lean toward simple starches such as rice and noodles as these are easy on the stomach. Try bananas, rice, applesauce or toast if they are a bit queasy. If you can get in some vegetables – go for it, but focus more on getting them nourished!

How to help a toddler with fluids?

Soup is warm, soothing and an accepted remedy. It also will help provide for your child's fluid needs. For a more filling soup, add some rice or noodles and cooked, chopped vegetables.

What fruits and vegetables are good for kids?

Good sources of vitamin C include lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit and berries. Offer your child a variety of soft fruits; they are not only full of vitamins and minerals to support good health and immunity, but contain a good deal of water to help support your child's fluid needs.

What to eat when you are queasy?

Try bananas, rice, applesauce or toast if they are a bit queasy. If you can get in some vegetables – go for it, but focus more on getting them nourished!

What to feed a child with diarrhea?

Avoid sugary drinks, as this will worsen the diarrhea. Foods, such as bananas, carrots, and white rice, are also good foods to feed your child, as they help normalize bowel movements, as well as provide necessary nutrition .

How to help a child with nausea?

Nausea might be the hardest thing to watch your child suffer through, and they would agree. But there are foods and drink that can help relieve their upset. Dry toast or crackers are good for absorbing any acid that is produced in the stomach during an illness that causes nausea. Keep food simple and bland as to not trigger vomiting, and your child will likely not want to eat much anyway. Ginger Ale has long been known as a way to ease stomach upset, and you might be surprised to find out that even doctors agree. The ginger helps ease nausea, as well as provide other nutritious benefits.

How to help a sore throat in a child?

Popsicles could very well be used to help soothe a sore throat, as well as serving to reduce a fever, but honey is a natural remedy that is well known to ease the suffering of a raw, scratchy throat. Hot tea with honey, for an older child, will help ease the pain and help reduce any swelling that may come as a result of the throat irritation. If the drink is not hot, or at least really warm, it will do little to help ease any swelling and provide no comfort. Hot chocolate is a good alternative for children suffering from a sore throat that may not be willing to drink tea.

What fruits can you eat to help with the flu?

Consider snacking on vitamin C–rich fruits while you have the flu. Some fruits high in vitamin C include strawberries, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. 6. Leafy greens . Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens can also help boost your immune system when you have the flu.

What is the best food for a sick person?

Oatmeal. When you’re sick, a hot bowl of oatmeal can be a soothing, nutritious food choice. Oatmeal, like other whole grains, is also a natural source of immune-boosting vitamin E. It also contains polyphenol antioxidants as well as immune-strengthening beta-glucan fiber.

What are some good foods to boost your immune system?

It’s best to eat these immune-boosting foods throughout the duration of your illness. 7. Broccoli.

How long does it take to get over the flu?

While the worst of the symptoms may be gone after five days, it can take one to two weeks to get over the flu entirely. Your recovery may take even longer if you develop a secondary infection from the flu.

What is the best medicine for a fever in a baby?

You can also: Administer an over-the-counter pain reliever for aches and fever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB). Just be sure to check the dosage amount, and choose a baby or child version if appropriate for your child’s age and weight.

What is the purpose of food in the body?

Food is what gives your body the energy and nutrients it needs to function . Such effects are equally vital when you have the flu. Still, it’s all about eating the right foods for your condition.

Can you eat chicken soup with the flu?

You can eat chicken soup throughout the duration of the flu to help keep you hydrated and satiated; just be sure to watch the salt content. 3. Garlic. While you might think of garlic as a food-flavoring agent, it’s actually been used in alternative medicine for a variety of ailments for centuries. One study.

What to give a child for the flu?

There are a few things that make getting through the flu easier, including: fluids to keep your child hydrated, such as clear juices, broth, oral rehydration solution (for infants), and popsicles (which are great for sore throats, and eating them is the same as drinking). If you don’t have a refillable water bottle (one with a straw is great ...

How to help a child with the flu?

There are a few things that make getting through the flu easier, including: 1 acetaminophen and ibuprofen for fever and aches 2 a reliable thermometer, if you don’t have one 3 hand sanitizer (buy a few to keep all over the house) 4 tissues 5 fluids to keep your child hydrated, such as clear juices, broth, oral rehydration solution (for infants), and popsicles (which are great for sore throats, and eating them is the same as drinking). If you don’t have a refillable water bottle (one with a straw is great if kids are lying down), get one of those too. 6 honey (if your child is older than a year) and cough drops (if your child is at least preschool age) 7 saline nose drops 8 a humidifier, if you don’t have one 9 simple foods like noodle soups, rice, crackers, bread for toast.

How to tell if you have the flu or the cold?

The flu is different from the common cold, but it’s not always easy to tell them apart, especially at the beginning. The flu usually comes on suddenly, and its symptoms can include fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, feeling tired, and generally just feeling rotten. Some people have vomiting and/or diarrhea, too.

What to give a toddler for sore throat?

fluids to keep your child hydrated, such as clear juices, broth, oral rehydration solution (for infants), and popsicles (which are great for sore throats, and eating them is the same as drinking). If you don’t have a refillable water bottle (one with a straw is great if kids are lying down), get one of those too.

How to keep your child from getting sick?

Besides keeping your child home (and staying home yourself if you catch it), there are other things you can do, such as: make sure everyone in the house washes their hands frequently (that’s where the hand sanitizer all over the house comes in handy)

What to do if your child has a fever?

Call your doctor or go to an emergency room if your child has: a high fever (102° F or higher) that won’t come down with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or a new fever after your child seemed to be getting better. any trouble breathing. severe pain of any kind.

How long do you have to be fever free to go to school?

That doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t go to school or daycare until they are cough- or runny nose-free, but it does mean that they have to be fever-free for at least 24 hours, not coughing constantly, able to eat and drink, and have enough energy to do whatever school or daycare entails. Not only is this important for your child’s recovery, ...

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 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.

Can stomach flu cause diarrhea?

Unfortunately for little ones, the stomach flu can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.