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Kids And Stomach Flu
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What to do when your child has the flu
The most common symptoms of stomach flu in children are vomiting and/or diarrhea, which may be accompanied by a fever. Vomiting can be quite violent, especially at the beginning when your child is throwing up food. Flu bugs can last anywhere from one to 14 days, although three to five days is about average, says Dr. Shu. Vomiting usually only lasts for 24 hours (unless you re-introduce foods too fast) and may be followed by diarrhea.
Comfort (since having the flu can be scary, especially for young children) and rest are key when it comes to treating the stomach flu. "You can treat any fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen to make your child more comfortable," says Dr. Shu. "And be sure to give small, frequent sips of fluid or fluid-filled foods, such as popsicles or Jello, to prevent dehydration.
Instead of plain water, give your child Pedialyte or sports drinks (such as Gatorade) at room temperature to prevent dehydration and to replace minerals, salts and sugars. If you're having trouble getting your child to drink anything, using an eyedropper may help.
"You should call your pediatrician if your child becomes dehydrated, if there's blood in his stool or vomit, or if his fever is very high or lasts longer than two to three days," says Dr. Shu. (Signs of dehydration include lethargy, pale skin and little or no urine production.)
