The Stomach Flu: A Short Guide
The stomach flu, gastroenteritis, the apple green splatters. Whatever you call it, it is a million times worse when your sweet little angel gets it. Why? Because adults can handle themselves. They know when they are going to throw up. They aren’t sitting in their own liquid feces. Adults can communicate. To our children, especially those experiencing it for the first time, this is the scariest thing they have ever encountered in their short lifespan. It is terrifying for them to lose control of their already difficult to control bodies. So, first lesson: patience.
God, have patience. Whether you had it first and passed it to them or they contracted the horrible stomach flu from just playing outside because you know, it is an airborne infection. It is not their fault they are sick. It is not their fault they are vomiting all over your beautiful chaise lounge or in your brand new bed. It is not their fault you have had to change your clothes seven times since you woke up at 4:00am to the sound of your child crying uncontrollably, covered in their own vomit and feces, scared to death. As gross as it sounds, here’s your second lesson: coddle.
Scoop up your little love and bring them to the bath or shower. If you need to, get in with them. Wash them, clothe them again, and just hold them. Tell them they are okay and you will not let anything happen to them. It doesn’t matter if your child is 6 months old or 6 years old. Do it anyways.
The stomach flu doesn’t always require a doctor’s visit or trip to the emergency room. Since we have passed through the first two lessons about patience and coddling, let’s talk about how to care for them. Like I said, you don’t have to rush off to the doctor that morning. Stay home and risk spreading the infection to others unless necessary. Ask yourself how many wet diapers or how many times your child normally urinates daily. Now, begin the clear fluids. No milk, formula, dairy products, or solids the entire first 24 hours. Instead, clear fluids. My favorites are gatorade, strawberry lemonade pedialyte, water, and popsicles. If they stay down, great. Keep pushing fluids. If your child is vomiting fluids still, do not be alarmed right away. Give them an hour to let their stomach settle and try again. If halfway through the day, you do not find that you have had half as many diapers as your normally do, call the pediatrician. They may want you to come in and be seen because children dehydrate quickly.
For the most part, however, you will find that the bug does not last long. Kids are resilient and they bounce back faster than adults. You will see your child will most likely not spike a fever and will play normally between vomiting sessions. They will sleep more but wake up like they were never sick. Do not worry about solids or formula for the day they are sick. The next day, you can start the BRAT diet if they eat solids which would include bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. If all goes well, your child should be able to return to normal eating and drinking habits after 48 hours, but start slow. Shocking their stomach with a regular diet may cause them to get sick again.
Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor,
The Honest Mom