Stomach
flu, also known as gastroenteritis, is a common infection that causes
inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can affect people of any age,
but it is especially common and serious in toddlers. Stomach flu can cause
symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and dehydration. In
this blog post, we will discuss what causes stomach flu in toddlers, how to
prevent it, how to treat it, and when to seek medical attention.-
What causes
stomach flu in toddlers?
Stomach flu
in toddlers is usually caused by a virus, such as rotavirus, norovirus, or
adenovirus. These viruses can spread easily from person to person through
contact with contaminated surfaces, objects, food, or water. They can also
spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Toddlers are
more susceptible to stomach flu because they have immature immune systems and
they tend to put their hands or objects in their mouths.-
How to
prevent stomach flu in toddlers?
The best
way to prevent stomach flu in toddlers is to practice good hygiene and
sanitation. Here are some tips to follow:
- Wash your
hands and your toddler's hands frequently with soap and water, especially
before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom or changing diapers,
and after touching anything that may be contaminated.-
- Disinfect
surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with stomach flu viruses, such as
countertops, toys, doorknobs, faucets, etc.
- Avoid
sharing utensils, cups, bottles, or pacifiers with your toddler or anyone who
has stomach flu symptoms.-
- Keep your
toddler away from anyone who has stomach flu symptoms or who has recently
recovered from it.-
- If your
toddler has been vaccinated against rotavirus, make sure they receive all the
recommended doses on time. Rotavirus vaccine can protect your toddler from the
most common cause of severe stomach flu in children.
How to
treat stomach flu in toddlers?
The main
goal of treating stomach flu in toddlers is to prevent dehydration and make
them feel more comfortable. There is no specific medication that can cure
stomach flu, but you can do the following things to help your toddler recover:-
- Give your
toddler plenty of fluids to replace the fluids and electrolytes lost through
vomiting and diarrhea. You can use oral rehydration solutions (ORS), such as
Pedialyte or Infalyte, which are specially designed for children with
dehydration. You can also offer water, clear broth, ice pops, or diluted juice.
Avoid giving your toddler milk, soda, caffeinated drinks, or fruit juices with
high sugar content, as they can worsen diarrhea.-
- Offer
your toddler small and frequent meals of bland and easy-to-digest foods, such
as crackers, toast, rice, bananas, applesauce, or plain yogurt. Avoid giving
your toddler spicy, greasy, or fatty foods, as they can irritate the stomach
and intestines.-
- Let your
toddler rest as much as possible. Avoid any strenuous activity or play that may
cause vomiting or diarrhea.-
- Dress
your toddler in light and comfortable clothing. Avoid overdressing or
underdressing your toddler, as they may have fever or chills.
- Use
acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce fever or pain in your
toddler. Do not use aspirin or any products that contain aspirin for your
toddler, as they can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.-
- Monitor
your toddler's symptoms and behavior closely. Look for signs of dehydration,
such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urine output, lethargy, irritability,
or dizziness.-
When to
seek medical attention for stomach flu in toddlers?
Most cases
of stomach flu in toddlers are mild and resolve within a few days without
complications. However, some cases may require medical attention if they are
severe or if they cause complications. You should call your doctor or take your
toddler to the emergency room if you notice any of the following signs:-
- Your
toddler has signs of dehydration that do not improve with oral rehydration
solutions.
- Your
toddler has blood or mucus in their vomit or stool.
- Your
toddler has severe abdominal pain that does not go away with pain relievers.
- Your
toddler has a high fever (above 102°F) that does not go down with fever
reducers.
- Your
toddler has signs of shock, such as pale skin, cold hands and feet, rapid
breathing, weak pulse,
or loss of consciousness.
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