The stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is a very common and particularly nasty gastrointestinal infection, which can be caused by any one of a number of viruses (not the influenza virus, despite the common name of the disease). While not usually severe or life-threatening, the stomach flu can strike babies quite hard and frequently due to their under-developed immune systems. The symptoms can also reflect a potentially more serious bacterial infection, and dehydration is always a concern.
Fortunately, there are several options for both the treatment and prevention of the stomach flu in your child.

Know the signs and symptoms

When your baby has a stomach flu, the lining of the gastrointestinal tract becomes inflamed, producing symptoms including:

- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fever

How infections occur

The stomach flu is contracted through the consumption of contaminated foods, sharing cups or utensils with someone who is infected, or through direct contact with contaminated fecal matter (a fairly common occurrence among young children, especially in daycare centers). Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common infectious disease in America after the common cold, and babies usually suffer the disease 2-3 times per year; after the immune system increases in strength around the age of 3, this number decreases.

Treatment options

Most cases of viral gastroenteritis can be effectively treated through home remedies. If your baby is still breast-feeding, continue breast-feeding and provide plenty of fluids. Otherwise, provide plenty of fluids, but avoid drinking too much plain water, as this can exacerbate the situation of electrolyte imbalance. Instead, give rehydration drinks such as Pedialyte and warm soup broths. Start reintroducing solid foods into the diet slowly, starting with easy to digest foods such as pears, apples, oatmeal, and rice. Avoid dairy products, spicy foods, meats, and citrus fruits for at least 3 days after symptoms disappear.

When to call your doctor

Viral gastroenteritis can be quite problematic in very young infants, so you should call your doctor as soon as you notice your baby is vomiting, has a bloody stool, or seems excessively agitated for more than 2 days. In addition, dehydration is the most severe complication of viral gastroenteritis at any age. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms of moderate-severe dehydration:

- Sunken fontanel (soft spot)
- Wrinkled skin
- Sunken eyes
- Dry lips
- Crying without producing tears
- Lack of urination for more than 6 hours at a time

Prevention

The best treatment for the stomach flu, or for any infectious disease, is prevention. In the case of the stomach flu, prevention means avoiding contact with contaminated foods, objects, and people.

Daycare centers, school, and hospitals are usually full of germs, and should be avoided when possible, especially in the case of very young infants. Make sure that all food that you and your child consume is properly handled and cooked. Do not share cups, eating utensils, or plates with others. Disinfect hotspots for germ within the home, such as doorknobs and tabletops, frequently and thoroughly.

Amanda Maynes is an aspiring writer with a wealth of knowledge in the areas of health and fitness. She enjoys researching and writing about different topics with the aim of benefiting her readers.
To see more of Amanda's writing and to learn more about this topic, check out the following website: http://coldremedies.com/all-about-sinus-infections.html

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