Skip to content


 






Kids and Stomach Flu
December 22nd, 2009
Here’s what to do when your child comes home with the flu
by: Sydney Loney
In This Article
Kids and Stomach Flu
    

  • Children are prone to stomach bugs because their immune systems are immature.
    • 

  • If your child has a stomach virus, he's likely to be most contagious up to the first few days of the illness.
    • 

  • Flu bugs can last anywhere from one to 14 days, although vomiting shouldn't last for more than 24 hours.
    • 

  • Instead of plain water, give your child Pedialyte, ginger ale or sports drinks to prevent dehydration.
    • 

  • Give your child nothing but fluids until at least six hours after the vomiting has ended, then slowly introduce bland foods, such as plain white toast.
    • 



 
S
tomach bugs are common when it comes to kids–if your child is attending nursery school, going to daycare or simply hanging with friends at the park, there's a good chance he'll eventually end up with the flu. Here's what you need to know:


Preventing stomach flu in the first place


"Children are prone to the stomach flu because their immune systems are immature and they haven't developed antibodies from years of exposure to different germs," says pediatrician and author Dr. Jennifer Shu.


Stomach bugs are usually viral infections of the intestine that are passed by oro-fecal transmission, which is why good hand washing is the best way to avoid getting sick. "Children are usually contagious from a day or so beforehand up until the symptoms are gone, but are most contagious up to the first few days of illness," says Dr. Shu.


123
What to do when your child has the ... >>