Often confused with influenza, which affects the respiratory system, a stomach flu is a virus which affects the lining of the stomach. The stomach flu makes your child feel nauseous while also causing vomiting and diarrhea. A typical stomach flu lasts anywhere from one to 10 days, during which your child may have trouble digesting food and experience a reduced appetite. By keeping your child hydrated and reintroducing foods slowly, you help to keep your child healthy during a bout with the stomach flu.
BRAT Diet
The BRAT diet -- bananas, rice, apples and toast -- is made up of bland foods which are low in fiber and easy to digest. When your child is suffering from diarrhea and an upset stomach, offering foods high in fiber exacerbate symptoms. Binding foods help to solidify your child's stool for diarrhea relief, while the bland foods are easy on the stomach and unlikely to cause excess nausea. When your child refuses food, don't panic. A lack of appetite is normal and won't cause long-term damage as the stomach flu takes its course.
Fluids
While it's fine for your child to skip a few meals while feeling sick, proper hydration is not an option. Water, milk and pediatric electrolyte beverages helps to rehydrate your child after he loses fluids through vomiting and diarrhea. If your child is too young to drink water or milk, electrolyte solutions are available and are administered much like a medication in small doses to help rehydrate your child when he has the stomach flu. Avoid offering sugary drinks, which draw water into the intestines, making symptoms worse.
Breast Milk or Formula
If your child is under the age of 1, her diet is still heavily reliant upon breast milk or formula. When she has the stomach flu, continue to offer breast milk or formula as necessary, but don't force her to eat if she refuses. Since breast milk and formula provide your baby with fluid for rehydration, diluted sugar-free juice and electrolyte solution may be used if your baby refuses to eat at all. Talk to your child's pediatrician for age requirements and dosing before giving your baby an electrolyte solution.
Foods to Avoid
As your child begins to rebuild his appetite, his favorite foods become a temptation. Until the stomach flu is completely gone from the system, it's wise to help him maintain a diet of bland, low-sugar, easy-to-digest foods to avoid the return of an upset stomach or diarrhea. Avoid offering fatty foods, foods high in sugar or caffeinated sodas until your child feels better.
