Viral Gastroenteritis (6yr-Adult)
Gastroenteritis is another name for the "stomach flu." It is most often caused by a virus that affects the stomach and intestinal tract. Symptoms include stomach cramping and fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea, and can last from 2 to 7 days.
The danger from repeated vomiting or diarrhea is dehydration. This is the loss of too much water and minerals from the body. When this occurs, body fluids must be replaced. Antibiotics are not effective for this illness, but simple home treatment will be helpful.
HOME CARE
If symptoms are severe, rest at home for the next 24 hours.
Avoid tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol use, which can worsen symptoms.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen {Motrin, Advil) may be used for fever or pain unless another medication was prescribed. NOTE : If you have chronic liver or kidney disease or ever had a stomach ulcer or GI bleeding, talk with your doctor before using these medicines. Aspirin should never be used in anyone under 18 years of age who is ill with a fever. It may cause severe liver damage.
If medicines for diarrhea or vomiting were prescribed, be sure they are taken only as directed.
If vomiting, drink small amounts of clear fluids (such as water, sports drinks, clear sodas) at frequent intervals to prevent dehydration. Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons every 10 minutes. Once vomiting stops , follow these guidelines:
DURING THE FIRST 12 to 24 HOURS follow the diet below:
Beverages: Sport drinks like Gatorade, soft drinks without caffeine; ginger ale, mineral water (plain or flavored), decaffeinated tea and coffee.
Soups: Clear broth, consomme and bouillon
Desserts: Plain gelatin (Jell-O), Popsicles and fruit juice bars.
DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS you may add the following to the above:
Hot cereal, plain toast, bread, rolls, crackers
Plain noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, chicken noodle or rice soup • Unsweetened canned fruit (avoid pineapple), bananas
Limit fat intake to less than 15 grams per day by avoiding margarine, butter, oils, mayonnaise, sauces, gravies, fried foods, peanut butter, meat, poultry, and fish.
Limit fiber; avoid raw or cooked vegetables, fresh fmits fexcept bananasl and bran cereals.
Limit caffeine and chocolate. Do not use spices or seasonings except salt.
DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS
The patient can gradually resume a normal diet as symptoms lessen.
PREVENTING SPREAD
Hand washing with soap and water is the best way to prevent the spread of viruses. Caregivers should wash their hands before and after touching the sick person.
The sick person, as well as everyone in the family, should wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals.
Clean the toilet after each use.
People with diarrhea should not prepare food for others. If you are preparing your own foods, wash your hands before and after.
FOLLOW UP with your doctor as advised. Call your doctor if you are not improving over the next 2 to 3 days. If a stool (diarrhea) sample was taken, you may call in 2 days {or as directed) for the results.
GET PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION if any of the following occur:
Increasing abdominal pain
Continued vomiting (unable to keep liquids down)
Frequent diarrhea (more than 5 times a day)
Blood in vomit or stool (black or red color)
Dark urine, reduced urine output, or extreme thirst
Weakness, dizziness, fainting
Drowsiness, confusion, stilf neck, or seizure
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) oral or higher, not better with fever medication
New rash
© 2000-2012 Krames StayWell, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.