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What is Stomach Flu?
Stomach flu is an infection of the intestines. It is also known as Gastroenteritis. Stomach flu in kids may be caused by food poisoning or viral infections, such as a rotavirus infection.
Related:
Food Poisoning
Symptoms Your Child May Experience
- Diarrhoea (frequent, loose watery stools)
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Fever (may or may not be present)
Treatment
- Let your child rest as much as they can.
- Don’t worry if your child lacks the appetite for solid food for a while.
- Offer your child more fluids such as water, barley water, rice water or oral rehydration fluids.
- If your child is vomiting, give them small, frequent sips of water to prevent further vomiting.
- Avoid giving your child milk and beverages with high sugar content as this may make symptoms worse.
One of the dangers of gastroenteritis is dehydration due to frequent vomiting and/or diarrhoea leading to loss of fluid from the body.
- If your child has not urinated for many hours, if their lips and tongue are very dry and/or they seem very lethargic, please bring your child to the Emergency Room immediately.
Visit Parent Hub, for more useful tips and guides to give your child a healthy start.
Related:
Viral Gastroenteritis
Learn more about the other common conditions that children face:
Contributed By
- Health Promotion Board
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