Gastric Influenza in the Child: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Viral diseases of a preschool child are always very hard to bear. Especially when it comes to rotavirus infection, which in everyday life is called gastric flu.

The symptomatology of the disease is similar to that of acute respiratory infections: a rapidly appearing high fever, a runny nose, a cough and a sore throat. But, in addition, there are failures in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract: frequent, liquid and sometimes foamy stools, nausea and constant vomiting. But, in the event that blood or mucus appears in the feces, it is not gastric flu. Urgent need to call a local doctor or an ambulance, as this is a sign of dysentery.

In any case, the rotavirus infection and the flu in a child should be treated in absolutely different ways.

The first rule is a quick call of a local doctor. To start inspection and treatment should be immediately, because intestinal flu will quickly lead to dehydration of the child's body due to frequent vomiting and loose stool. In some cases, especially severe or neglected, hospitalization is required.

The second rule is necessarily a frequent warm drink, but in small portions (a small spoon every seven to ten minutes). The best option is a decoction of dried fruits without sugar. Do not give milk, soda, juices and any sweet drinks.

The third rule is the use of "Regidron" powder, which will become an excellent source of glucose and minerals (potassium, sodium), which the child loses with liquid.

Gastric influenza causes the body to accumulate a large number of harmful substances. Therefore, the fourth rule is to include sorbents in the treatment program. For example, Enterosgel.

The fifth rule. It is impossible in any case to wait until the child has a fever. In the event that it exceeds the level of 38.5 degrees Celsius, it is necessary to take an antipyretic agent. Otherwise, the child may get cramps.

There are situations when the temperature rises faster than the time when you can give a new dose of anti-inflammatory non-steroid drugs. You can lower it this way. The child should be rubbed with vodka or diluted alcohol and left for a while to cool the body. Such a procedure can be done in the event that the hands and feet are warm. Next, monitor the state. If they are cold, then the child is shivering, you need to wrap it up and call an ambulance. Gastric flu usually occurs at a very high temperature.

The sixth rule - food should be boiled and carbohydrate (crackers, cereal, vegetable broths and soups). You can not eat sweet and meat. Frequent meals are required in small portions.

Seventh rule. With rotavirus infection, you can not in any case treat the child with antibiotics, because they do not kill the intestinal flu viruses .

With proper treatment, the condition improves in about a week. Therefore, with the continuation of the onset of symptoms, you need to be sure that the flu has given complications that will lead to dehydration and exhaustion of the body.

As a preventive measure of the occurrence of rotavirus infection, mandatory measures can be identified.

First, use only clean and quality products. Be sure to wash your hands before eating and utensils.

Secondly, you can resort to vaccination. But you need to keep in mind that this procedure is expensive, but not all medical centers and clinics have the opportunity to provide this service.

With the right approach to the treatment of intestinal flu, it passes irretrievably. It is necessary to restore the intestinal microflora for several months with sour-milk products and medical preparations.