Stomach viruses -- also known as gastroenteritis or "stomach flu" -- strike most kids at least once or twice during their childhood, and unfortunately, parents and their kids usually have to let the virus take its course. Parents must make sure the child stays hydrated throughout the length of the illness, however. Once children can keep food down again, parents must also begin replenishing lost nutrients with easy-to-digest foods.
Symptoms
Children with a stomach virus may experience both vomiting and diarrhea. Depending on the strength of the virus, your child may also have abdominal pain, a headache, a fever and chills. Symptoms of gastroenteritis appear sometime between 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. Mild cases only last for 24 hours, while moderate cases last up to 72 hours. A particularly strong virus can cause gastroenteritis symptoms to last even longer.
Food for Infants
Unless told otherwise by your doctor, avoid giving plain water to an infant under 1 year in age. Dr. Yamini Durani with KidsHealth explains that infants suffering from a stomach virus need to take an oral electrolyte solution to replenish the water and salts lost during vomiting. Infants need about 3 tsp. every 20 minutes. Once your child stops vomiting for several hours, gradually increase the amount of solution up to the amount of formula your child normally eats at each meal. Begin reintroducing formula after your infant goes eight hours without vomiting. At this point, infants over 6 months may also eat soft, bland foods like bananas and crackers.
Food for Children over 1 Year Old
Frequently give your child small sips of clear liquids, including plain water or oral electrolyte solutions flavored with 1/2 tsp. of fruit juice. Ice chips also make a suitable alternative. Once your child goes eight hours without vomiting, reintroduce bland foods into his diet. Good choices include saltine crackers, plain bread, rice, potatoes, applesauce and bananas. Salty foods, like pretzels and soup, and foods high in potassium, like bananas and potatoes, are especially helpful for children experiencing diarrhea in addition to vomiting. After 24 hours pass without vomiting, cautiously resume your child's regular diet. Avoid dairy products for 48 to 72 hours after vomiting stops.
Warnings
Avoid giving your child foods high in fat, sugar or caffeine until after his recovery, as these foods may make symptoms worse. Contact your child's doctor if his symptoms continue for an extended amount of time. According to the Cleveland Clinic, children under age 6 should visit the doctor if they vomit for more than a few hours, haven't urinated in six hours or have a fever over 100 degrees F. Children over age 6 should visit the doctor if they vomit longer than 24 hours, haven't urinated in six hours or have a fever over 102 degrees F. Contact your doctor immediately if your newborn experiences vomiting or diarrhea.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Viral Gastroenteritis; Mary K. Estes, et al.; April 2011
- MedlinePlus; Diarrhea; David C. Dugdale, et al.; February 2011
- Cleveland Clinic; Nausea and Vomiting; December 2009
- KidsHealth; Vomiting; Yamini Durani; May 2011
- KidsHealth; Stomach Flu; Kate M. Cronan; September 2010
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