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how do you treat stomach flu in children

by Marlin Funk Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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There is no specific treatment for gastroenteritis, and most kids can be treated at home. Keep your child hydrated by offering plenty of liquids. Kids with more severe dehydration may need treatment in the ER or hospital. Mild dehydration is treated with oral (by mouth) rehydration.

Medication

What should you eat or drink if you have the stomach flu?

  • Fluids: Diarrhea and vomiting can be dehydrating. ...
  • Ice chips: If you are having trouble keeping fluids down, try sucking on ice chips to help rehydrate. ...
  • BRAT diet: BRAT stands for B ananas, R ice, A pplesauce, and T oast. ...

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Therapy

What are some home remedies for the stomach flu?

  • Drink plenty of fluids. Diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. ...
  • Consider an oral rehydration solution. Oral rehydration solutions contain water, electrolytes, and carbs in proportions that are easy to digest. ...
  • Use over-the-counter (OTC) medications. ...
  • Try bland foods. ...
  • Avoid foods and drinks that make symptoms worse. ...

Nutrition

What natural or home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) help soothe and cure the stomach flu?

  • Rest: Most people need to rest for a few days to let the illness work its course.
  • Heating pad: A heating pad may help relieve abdominal cramping.
  • Acetaminophen ( Tylenol ): Take for pain or fever. ...
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medications: Loperamide hydrochloride ( Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate ( Pepto-Bismol) can help relieve diarrhea.

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Specialist To Consult

  • Plain cereal
  • Bread
  • Potatoes
  • Peeled fruit
  • Lean protein
  • Cooked vegetables

What are some natural remedies for stomach flu?

How do you stop stomach flu?

How to treat stomach flu at home?

What to feed a child with a stomach bug?

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How long does a stomach flu last in kids?

Stomach bugs, also called gastroenteritis, are very common in young children and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes a fever. Gastroenteritis typically lasts in the neighborhood of three to seven days, but sometimes it can be shorter and, unfortunately, sometimes it lasts longer.

What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach bug in toddlers?

These suggestions may help:Help your child rehydrate. ... Get your child back to a normal diet once hydrated. ... Avoid certain foods. ... Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. ... Avoid giving your child store-bought anti-diarrheal medications, unless advised by your doctor.

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

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)

Should I take my child to the doctor for stomach bug?

Regardless of whether your child's GI symptoms are caused by gastroenteritis or a possible COVID-19 infection, you should bring them in to the ER (or a same-day appointment with a pediatrician) if their vomiting and diarrhea continue for more than a few days or if you notice signs of dehydration.

Can you flush out a stomach bug?

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 is the stomach flu contagious?

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.

How do kids get stomach virus?

This common illness can happen to both adults and children, but kids may catch it more easily — because despite your best efforts, they may touch everything, share food, and not wash their hands often enough. Babies can also get the stomach flu — perhaps because at a certain age, they put everything in their mouths.

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.

How do you stop a child from vomiting?

Most cases of vomiting respond well to gentle care at home. What's important is that your child stays hydrated and drinks plenty of fluids. Breast milk, formula, oral rehydration solution are all suitable, but avoid offering drinks that contain a lot of sugar.

What do you feed a child with a stomach virus?

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.

What can you give a child for upset stomach and vomiting?

If your child is throwing up, they should drink small amounts of fluids often. Offer your child 5 mL of fluids every few minutes. If they can keep that down, give them up to 30 mL of fluids every 5 minutes. It's best to give your child clear fluids, such as apple juice mixed with water or sport electrolyte drinks.

What home remedy is good for a child vomiting?

2:034:228 Effective Home Remedies for Vomiting in Children - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWater or starch. And make your child drink this water to stop the vomiting. Five cloves help tooMoreWater or starch. And make your child drink this water to stop the vomiting. Five cloves help too clothes help in digestion. And can provide relief from vomiting. If your child is a little older.

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...•

Is it normal for toddler to sleep all day with stomach bug?

Let him rest. Your child will probably be sleeping and napping more than usual, which is normal. But if your baby or toddler has been asleep more than 4 hours (and has been having diarrhea or vomiting), you may want to wake them up to offer fluids.

How do I stop my toddler from vomiting?

For the first twenty-four hours or so of any illness that causes vomiting, keep your child off solid foods, and encourage her to suck or drink small amounts of electrolyte solution (ask your pediatrician which one), clear fluids such as water, sugar water (1/2 teaspoon [2.5 ml] sugar in 4 ounces [120 ml] of water), ...

How long does a sickness bug last in toddlers?

In most cases, it will last no longer than one to two days and isn't a sign of anything serious. The most common cause of vomiting in children and babies is gastroenteritis.

How to stop a child from getting the stomach flu?from healthline.com

You can at least prevent it from happening as often. The best way to prevent the stomach flu is wash your hands — and wash them again. Teach your child how to wash their hands properly and to wash them often.

What Is Stomach Flu?from verywellhealth.com

The stomach flu is caused by a contagious virus that causes nausea, vom iting, and diarrhea. It can be spread by direct contact with a sick individual or through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Because children frequently put their fingers and hands in their mouths, they are at an increased risk of contracting norovirus and rotavirus. 2

Why do babies get stomach flu?from healthline.com

Babies can also get the stomach flu — perhaps because at a certain age, they put everything in their mouths.

What happens if one child has a stomach infection?from healthline.com

Other kinds of gastrointestinal infections are caused by bacteria. This includes food poisoning, which has slightly different symptoms than the stomach flu.

What is the biggest danger of gastroenteritis?from webmd.com

The biggest danger from gastroenteritis is dehydration. Due to the vomiting and diarrhea, your child's body loses more fluids than it takes in. So the most important thing you can do is keep your child hydrated, says Andrew Nowalk, MD, PhD. He's an assistant professor of pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

How to stop a toddler from vomiting?from webmd.com

Too much of even the right kind of liquid can make vomiting worse if given too rapidly, so take it slow at first and make sure it doesn’t make the problem worse. Try 1 teaspoon every 4 to 5 minutes, Nowalk says. Introduce food slowly. Once your child can drink liquid and keep it down, you can start adding food.

What to do if diarrhea doesn't go away?from webmd.com

If the diarrhea doesn’t go away, has blood in it, or if you and your child were recently traveling internationally to certain parts of the world, your doctor may need to run some tests and may prescribe antibiotics.

What do you feed a child with the stomach flu?from childrens.com

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

How to help a baby with stomach flu?from healthline.com

Let the stomach settle. Avoid feeding your baby or child solid food for a few hours. Give older children frozen juice treats (popsicles) or ice chips. This helps to prevent dehydration.

How long does the stomach flu last in kids?from childrens.com

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

How often does the stomach flu happen?from healthline.com

the stomach flu every year. It also leads to about a million visits to the pediatrician every year in the United States. These viruses act fast — your child may get sick only a day or two after catching one. The stomach flu is also very contagious.

What is the stomach flu?from healthline.com

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 ...

What happens if one child has a stomach infection?from healthline.com

Other kinds of gastrointestinal infections are caused by bacteria. This includes food poisoning, which has slightly different symptoms than the stomach flu.

What is the biggest danger of gastroenteritis?from webmd.com

The biggest danger from gastroenteritis is dehydration. Due to the vomiting and diarrhea, your child's body loses more fluids than it takes in. So the most important thing you can do is keep your child hydrated, says Andrew Nowalk, MD, PhD. He's an assistant professor of pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

How to treat stomach flu in kids?from childrens.com

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?from childrens.com

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

How often does the stomach flu happen?from healthline.com

the stomach flu every year. It also leads to about a million visits to the pediatrician every year in the United States. These viruses act fast — your child may get sick only a day or two after catching one. The stomach flu is also very contagious.

How to get rid of a virus on a child's clothes?from healthline.com

Clean hard surfaces like counters and nightstands with a mixture of detergent, vinegar, and water. Some viruses can survive for up to 24 hours on hard surfaces and even on clothing. Wash your child’s toys in warm soapy water regularly , especially if the stomach flu or other viruses are going around.

What is the main complication of viral gastroenteritis?from mayoclinic.org

The main complication of viral gastroenteritis 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.

What is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children?from mayoclinic.org

Rotavirus. Worldwide, this is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children, who are usually infected when they put their fingers or other objects contaminated with the virus into their mouths. The infection is most severe in infants and young children.

What is the most common way to get a viral gastroenteritis?from mayoclinic.org

The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu —is through contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water.

How to treat stomach flu in kids?from childrens.com

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 a stomach bug?from chop.edu

Stomach bugs, also called gastroenteritis, are very common in young children. Many stomach bugs are caused by viruses and can mean vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes a fever.

How long does the stomach flu last in kids?from childrens.com

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

How often does the stomach flu happen?from healthline.com

the stomach flu every year. It also leads to about a million visits to the pediatrician every year in the United States. These viruses act fast — your child may get sick only a day or two after catching one. The stomach flu is also very contagious.

Why do babies get stomach flu?from healthline.com

Babies can also get the stomach flu — perhaps because at a certain age, they put everything in their mouths.

What is the most common cause of stomach flu?from healthline.com

The stomach flu is usually caused by one of three viruses: The norovirus is the most common cause of the stomach flu in kids under the age of 5 years. This virus gives up to 21 million people. the stomach flu every year. It also leads to about a million visits to the pediatrician every year in the United States.

What happens if one child has a stomach infection?from healthline.com

Other kinds of gastrointestinal infections are caused by bacteria. This includes food poisoning, which has slightly different symptoms than the stomach flu.

How to help a baby with stomach flu?from healthline.com

Let the stomach settle. Avoid feeding your baby or child solid food for a few hours. Give older children frozen juice treats (popsicles) or ice chips. This helps to prevent dehydration.

How can I prevent the stomach flu and rotavirus in children?from whattoexpect.com

Rotavirus disease and other stomach illnesses are extremely contagious, so while there's nothing foolproof you can do to stop your little one from coming down with a general stomach virus, you can help prevent rotavirus specifically by taking the following steps to keep your child from getting sick:

What Is Stomach Flu?from verywellhealth.com

The stomach flu is caused by a contagious virus that causes nausea, vom iting, and diarrhea. It can be spread by direct contact with a sick individual or through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Because children frequently put their fingers and hands in their mouths, they are at an increased risk of contracting norovirus and rotavirus. 2

When should I call the doctor about stomach flu in children?from whattoexpect.com

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 long does the stomach flu last in a toddler?from whattoexpect.com

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.

How to get rid of a virus on a child's clothes?from healthline.com

Clean hard surfaces like counters and nightstands with a mixture of detergent, vinegar, and water. Some viruses can survive for up to 24 hours on hard surfaces and even on clothing. Wash your child’s toys in warm soapy water regularly , especially if the stomach flu or other viruses are going around.

Why do babies get stomach flu?from healthline.com

Babies can also get the stomach flu — perhaps because at a certain age, they put everything in their mouths.

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1.Stomach Flu in Kids: Symptoms, Treatment, Home …

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/stomach-flu-in-kids

11 hours ago 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 …

2.Stomach Flu Remedies for Kids - Children's Health

Url:https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/stomach-flu-remedies-for-kids

8 hours ago  · Preventive strategies include: 9 Handwashing: Encourage your children to frequently wash their hands, especially after using the bathroom and before... Disinfection: To …

3.Stomach Flu in Children: Symptoms and Treatment

Url:https://www.verywellhealth.com/stomach-viruses-in-children-5214513

28 hours ago  · While the stomach flu is no fun, most children recover fully within a few days. The best thing you can do is keep your child comfortable and hydrated while they ride out the …

4.11 Home Remedies to Treat Stomach Flu in Children

Url:https://parentinghealthybabies.com/home-remedies-treat-stomach-flu-children/

20 hours ago  · What foods can a child with a stomach virus eat? Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. Foods that are high in fiber. Greasy or spicy foods.

5.Stomach flu in kids: Symptoms, treatment and home …

Url:https://www.care.com/c/stomach-flu-in-kids/

31 hours ago 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. Treatment. Stay well-hydrated.

6.Stomach Flu in Kids & Todlers: What To Expect - WebMD

Url:https://www.webmd.com/children/features/the-truth-about-stomach-flu

28 hours ago If your child has viral gastroenteritis, you should give your child an oral rehydration solution—such as Pedialyte, Naturalyte, Infalyte, and CeraLyte—as directed to replace lost fluids and …

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