Winters are a wonderful respite from the sweltering heat and perspiration of summer. However, the season also brings with it a number of health issues. One such problem is viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu. 

The most vulnerable to get affected are children, who are prone to becoming ill in cold weather. Read on to know more about stomach flu and ways to protect them from this disease.

What is Stomach Flu?

Stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is the infection of the stomach and intestines caused by Rotavirus and Norovirus. 

It mostly affects babies and young children by damaging the inner lining of their digestive tract causing poor absorption of water and electrolytes. This leads to vomiting and diarrhoea. 

Stomach flu is common in winters as these viruses grow and thrive during cooler temperatures.

What Are The Symptoms of Stomach Flu?

Your child may experience the following symptoms if he/she has caught stomach flu:

  • Vomiting

  • Nausea

  • Stomach pain/discomfort

  • Diarrhoea

  • Fever

  • Dehydration

  • Loss of appetite

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

Is Stomach Flu Contagious?

Stomach flu is a viral infection that is highly contagious. It spreads through consuming contaminated food or water. When children put their fingers in their mouths after touching a contaminated surface, they can become ill. 

This usually occurs when children do not wash their hands, particularly before eating and after using the restroom. People who work with children, such as health care and childcare professionals, might spread the virus if they do not wash their hands after changing diapers. 

Children can also become ill if they consume food or drink water contaminated with the virus. This occurs when an infected person does not wash their hands before preparing food.

How Can You Treat Stomach Flu?

Like any other flu, the symptoms of stomach flu last for 2 to 10 days and then resolve by themselves. You can do the following things to manage stomach flu in your child while he/she is recovering:

  • Give them plenty of water. Dehydration is one of the main complications of stomach flu, due to excessive water and electrolyte loss. To avoid this, make sure you give plenty of water, ORS (oral rehydration solution) and fluids to your child to compensate for the water loss.

  • Avoid dairy products. Food rich in fibre, spices, oily food and dairy products should be avoided if your child is infected with stomach flu. This can further irritate their digestive tract and worsen their condition. 

  • Get them to rest well. Your child can heal quickly if he/she gets proper rest. Their immune system can work effectively only when they get adequate rest.

  • Refrain from giving soda and energy drinks. While drinking fluids is necessary for managing stomach flu, make sure you avoid sugary or sports drinks and concentrated fruit juices as these can further aggravate their diarrhoea.

How Can You Prevent Stomach Flu?

As babies and young children are plainly more susceptible than adults, some precautions should be taken in everyday life to prevent stomach flu throughout the winter. 

They are:

  • Practice hand hygiene. One of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and transferring germs to others is to keep your hands clean. Wash your and your child’s hand regularly, especially before cooking, eating and after using the restroom.
  • Clean your child’s toys. Children, especially infants (babies up to 1 year of age) go through this stage when they put everything in their mouths. Therefore, it is important to clean and disinfect your child’s toys regularly so that it does not spread any infection.
  • Avoid public places. As this disease is highly contagious, it is better to avoid crowds and public places where cleanliness is an issue. The surfaces of public places can harbour viruses, which when touched, can directly or indirectly infect your child.
  • Get them vaccinated. There are a few vaccines available against Rotavirus that can provide immunity for stomach flu. However, this vaccine is not routinely administered and therefore, it is not included in the vaccine schedule. Consult your paediatrician to know more about this vaccine.  

Winters increase the risk of viral infections, especially in children. Stomach flu can be avoided if proper precautions are taken.


References:

1. Kidshealth.org. 2021. Rotavirus (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth. [online] Available at: <https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/rotavirus.html> [Accessed 16 December 2021].

2. Flu”), S. and Health, N., 2021. Symptoms & Causes of Viral Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”) | NIDDK. [online] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Available at: <https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis/symptoms-causes> [Accessed 16 December 2021].


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