what to feed teenagers with stomach bugs

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.

Full Answer

What foods can my child eat after 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.".

Should you feed a child with a 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. When the first signs of a stomach virus come about, your first instinct may be to feed them.

What should you eat after a 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 should I Feed my child when they have diarrhea?

Go easy on foods such as high-sugar treats and sweets, spicy dishes, or fried food as they could could potentially exacerbate diarrhea. Instead of focusing on exactly what your child eats when they’re sick, worry more about keeping them hydrated.

What foods are good for kids with stomach bug?

Bland foods include bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, saltine crackers and unsweetened cereals. If your child does well with these foods, you can add other foods over the next 48 hours. Most children can return to their usual diet about 3 days after the diarrhea stops.

How long does a stomach virus last in a teenager?

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 to feed someone who has a stomach bug?

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 is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach virus?

There is no real cure for a stomach bug (viral gastroenteritis) because it is caused by a virus. Most people don't need medical treatment and symptoms will go away on their own within a few days, though in some people symptoms may last up to 10 days.

How long are you contagious with a tummy bug?

Although you typically feel better after a day or two, you're contagious for a few days after you recover. The virus can remain in your stool for up to two weeks or more after recovery. Children should stay home from school or child care for at least 48 hours after the last time they vomit or have diarrhea.

Why do stomach bugs start at night?

Why does stomach flu hit at night? In some people, the stomach flu symptoms may be more pronounced at night due to their circadian rhythm. At night an increase in immune system activity releases infection-fighting chemicals. These can cause inflammation that make you feel worse as you battle your flu.

Is pasta good for an upset stomach?

Bland carbs “White rice, pasta, crackers, and oat brans don't need a lot of work to breakdown so they're really easy to digest,” Ganjhu explains. Plus, these foods are inoffensive in taste and smell which makes them easy and soothing to eat, even when it's hard to stomach much else.

Is oatmeal good for stomach flu?

Like rice, oatmeal is another bland food that's typically easy to tolerate when your stomach is upset. Not only that, but it's a good source of soluble fiber, which can help bind and add bulk to your stool when you're experiencing diarrhea.

Should you 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.

Is Gatorade Good for stomach flu?

During an illness involving vomiting and diarrhea, it is important to prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids in small sips until the stomach is settled and then in larger amounts until your thirst is satisfied. Clear liquids are the best. Water, Gatorade, Sprite, 7-Up, and Ginger Ale are suggested.

Is Ginger Ale Good for stomach flu?

The bottom line. Ginger root has a long history of relieving nausea. Unfortunately, commercial ginger ale just doesn't contain much ginger and is unlikely to help. Be wary: Carbonation, sugar, and artificial sweeteners may actually worsen your symptoms.

How do you get rid of a 24 hour stomach bug?

How to treat the 24-hour flu at homeDrink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids lost from diarrhea and vomiting. ... Eat plain or bland foods that are less likely to irritate your stomach. ... Rest up. ... Use an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-vomiting or anti-diarrheal medication.More items...•

When should I take my child to the doctor for a stomach bug?

The Symptoms of Stomach Flu If your child experiences any of the following, be sure to call his or her physician: Fever. Severe vomiting. Severe diarrhea (more than eight stools per day)

What's the longest a stomach virus can last?

Stomach flu (viral enteritis) is an infection in the intestines. It has an incubation period of 1 to 3 days, during which no symptoms occur. Once symptoms appear, they usually last for 1 to 2 days, although symptoms may linger for as long as 10 days. This can be especially true for older people.

When should I take my child to the ER for stomach flu?

It's important to get your child to a doctor if the symptoms of pediatric stomach virus get worse or last for longer than 5 days. If she develops severe stomach cramps or bloody diarrhea, these could be signs of a more serious illness than a stomach virus. Signs of dehydration are also a cause for immediate concern.

When should I go to the doctor for stomach flu?

Seek medical attention if: You experience frequent episodes of vomiting and can't keep down liquids, diarrhea for more than three days, extreme pain with abdominal cramping, a temperature higher than 101.5, signs of severe dehydration, or neurological symptoms such as blurry vision or muscle weakness.

How to get rid of viral gastroenteritis?

I recommend these tips for fueling your body when you have viral gastroenteritis: 1 Let your stomach settle.#N#Avoid solid foods for a few hours, and stick with liquids. 2 Hydrate.#N#Try drinking clear soda or broths, or noncaffeinated sports drinks in small, but frequent, amounts to stay hydrated. 3 Ease back into eating.#N#Gradually incorporate bland, easy-to-digest foods into your system, but be sure to back off if your nausea returns. Foods to eat include clear broths, crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken. 4 Avoid certain foods until you feel better.#N#These foods include dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, processed foods, and fatty, spicy or highly seasoned foods. 5 Be cautious with medications.#N#It’s best to use medications, such as ibuprofen, with food and sparingly, if at all, as they can cause an upset stomach. As always, discuss your medications with your health care provider to avoid any potential side effects.

What happens if you have a stomach bug?

The main complication of a stomach bug is dehydration ― a severe loss of water, and essential salts and minerals. If you’re healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn’t be a problem.

How to get rid of nausea after eating?

Let your stomach settle. Avoid solid foods for a few hours, and stick with liquids. Hydrate. Try drinking clear soda or broths, or noncaffeinated sports drinks in small, but frequent, amounts to stay hydrat ed. Ease back into eating. Gradually incorporate bland, easy-to-digest foods into your system, but be sure to back off if your nausea returns.

What to eat when you have nausea?

Foods to eat include clear broths, crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken. Avoid certain foods until you feel better.

Can ibuprofen cause an upset stomach?

It’s best to use medications, such as ibuprofen, with food and sparingly, if at all, as they can cause an upset stomach. As always, discuss your medications with your health care provider to avoid any potential side effects. The main complication of a stomach bug is dehydration ― a severe loss of water, and essential salts and minerals.

How to keep kids hydrated?

The bottom line is to make sure that your kids stay hydrated and nourished with a variety of foods that they want to eat, don’t rely on the BRAT diet, and make sure that you’re keeping up with hand-washing (to prevent the spread of illness!). If you’re concerned that your child’s illness is prolonged, or they are showing any signs of a more serious health problem (dehydration, blood in their stool, etc.) contact their health care provider right away for further guidance.

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.

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).

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).

Who is the mom of 3 in Mealtimes Solved?

Mealtimes Solved is a comprehensive, on-demand program led by mom-of-3 (and pediatric registered dietitian) Sarah Remmer.

Can you feed a baby on demand?

For babies under the age of one who are breastfeeding, continue to feed on demand, and for formula-fed babies, continue to feed formula (and prepare as per usual–not diluted). For breastfed babies over the age of one, you can also feed on demand during sickness.

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.

How to keep a child from getting stomach bug?

Hand washing and keeping things clean are your best defenses from getting ill with a stomach bug. Not surprisingly, this is particularly true after touching or supporting your child and when preparing food and eating. Some viruses will survive on surfaces for days. And some viruses like Norovirus can even survive hand sanitizer. You have to use soap and water to kill it. But even with ridiculous, meticulous attention to hygiene, every parent knows that when the vomit is flying, it’s hard to lasso every single errant particle. So simply commit to do your best. Change the sheets and clean up areas of vomit immediately after supporting your child. Soapy warm water is your friend. Wash surfaces immediately, use hot water for the wash, and use high heat in the dryer.

What is the best disinfectant for a child?

Remember that vomiting is a protection reaction of your child’s body to clear infection. Soap, water, and bleach: William Osler said, “Soap and water and common sense are the best disinfectants .”. Cleaning your home to avoid spreading infection is a must. You don’t need expensive products, just vigilance.

How long does it take for a child to vomit?

Part may be an easy gag reflex. With most viruses that cause the “stomach flu,” as the infection moves through the stomach and intestines, vomiting stops after about 24 hours. But not always.

How long does it take for a baby to vomit after eating?

If you advance liquids too quickly or children eat more solids than they are ready for, even after the first meal 1 to 2 days into eating again, they may have a vomit encore. If you have one of those, start back where you started (sips of clear liquids) and go very slow advancing their diet.

How long does it take to vomit with gastroenteritis?

24 hours (or so): In general, most pediatricians will tell you that vomiting doesn’t exceed 24 hours with typical gastroenteritis. Occasionally it can.

How long does diarrhea last with viral gastroenteritis?

Then there is resilience. Children do very well recovering from typical viral gastroenteritis, although diarrhea can last for days .

Is the information contained on this Web site a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician?

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

What do you feed a child with the stomach flu?

The best foods after the stomach flu are the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

What to eat after stomach flu?

While many still stick to the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) after the stomach flu, doctors now recommend reducing sugar intake and implementing small amounts of the child’s regular diet.

How long does the stomach flu last in children?

Typically the stomach flu lasts 24-48 hours in children, but some children have symptoms for up to 10 days. If your child suffers from symptoms past 48 hours, contact a medical professional as they are at risk for dehydration.

How to help a child with stomach bugs?

You can help your child prevent frequent stomach bugs by teaching them healthy habits. Hand-washing (especially before meals and after using the bathroom), a nutritious diet, plenty of physical activity, and good, consistent sleep go a long way toward keeping viral infections at bay.

Why are kids more prone to stomach infections?

Kids are, of course, more prone to developing stomach infections simply because they don’t follow the same hygiene practices as adults. Babies and toddlers do all sorts of things that aren’t exactly typical for the average adult — from putting random objects in their mouths to crawling on the floor to picking each other’s noses.

How to help a child with sickness?

Typically, the more important goal is to make sure your child stays hydrated throughout their bout of sickness. As they lose fluids through throwing up, giving them plenty to drink (and plenty of love and attention) is your best bet.

Why do children become dehydrated?

Children become dehydrated more easily than adults because of their higher metabolism and the fact that a greater percentage of their bodies are made of water.

Why does my baby have an upset stomach?

An upset stomach in your baby or child can have any number of causes. Illnesses, motion sickness, or an infection of the digestive tract may be at the root of tummy troubles.

Do gut bugs help with stomach flu?

And what about probiotics, you may wonder? The most current research shows that the good gut bugs don’t do much to help kids get over stomach flu.

Is there a way to stop puking?

There’s no single surefire way to halt puking in its tracks. (If only!) The sad-but-true reality: The best course of action is usually to simply let an illness run its course.

How to help a child with stomach bug?

Heat can really be a great, simple, and easy stomach bug remedy for your child that will actually be quite soothing. While they are resting, giving them a heat pack to place on their belly will offer some relief and provide comfort to them. 5. Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate.

What to do for a baby with a stomach bug?

Essential oils are a powerful tool to have on hand and can offer relief, relaxation and healing properties. Digestzen (a DoTerra blend), peppermint, On Guard and frankincense are great options for combatting your child’s stomach bug and also boosting their immune system!

What is the best supplement for stomach bug?

A probiotic is a great daily supplement but also is the perfect stomach bug remedy for kids.

How to reduce a fever in a child?

To begin with, don’t rush to the medicine cupboard and be quick to administer children’s Tylenol or Motrin to bring your child’s fever down. If your child is running a fever, DON’T suppress it.

How long do stomach bugs last?

Thankfully stomach bugs don’t hang around for too long and within 24-48 hours the worst is usually behind them. But with that being said, as a mother, you want to do anything to help your child feel comfortable and get rid of that nasty bug ASAP! When I was a kid, I HATED throwing up!

What to do if your dog vomits every time?

You can also try Ipecacuanha for after every time they vomit or Nux Vomica to help them regain strength after dealing with their stomach bug.

How to help an upset stomach?

There are a few homeopathic children’s remedies you can find for an upset stomach. Check out your local natural grocery store, or order on Amazon.