Safeguard against tummy bugs this summer

Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. Importantly, the loss of body fluids can result in dehydration – which is particularly dangerous for young children.

If vomiting or diarrhoea persists for longer than 24 hours in those aged two or older, or 12 hours in children under one year, dehydration is a concern, especially if the two occur together, says West Coast paediatrician Dr Susan Annandale.

What causes gastroenteritis?

Summer brings heightened risk of infection, as bacteria that can cause severe gastroenteritis, such as E Coli, multiply more quickly. But gastro can also be caused by viruses (such as the potentially deadly rotavirus) and by parasites. 

How is gastroenteritis spread? 

Gastro mostly originates in contaminated water or food, and can be spread rapidly by infected people through by close person-to-person contact or by contact with contaminated surfaces. 

Teach children to always wash their hands well with soap and water before touching food or eating, and after using the toilet. In addition, teach them not to share food, drink or utensils with someone who may be infected – even if they are not yet feeling sick, they may be infected and spread bacteria and viruses.

How to treat gastroenteritis

Gastro usually resolves on its own within a day or two, but supportive measures are important to prevent dehydration, says Dr Annandale. Babies can often continue to breastfeed or have formula, or else give them and older children an oral rehydration solution. This is available from pharmacies, or you can make your own, to replace lost fluid, electrolytes, salts and sugars. Mix 7 teaspoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 litre of water, preferably boiled and cooled. This is far more beneficial than plain water, full-strength juice (too high in sugar) or sports drinks, which may make diarrhoea worse, Dr Annandale cautions. “Encourage small sips every 15-20 minutes, to prevent vomiting – ‘drink a lot, vomit a lot!’” 

Try giving older children frozen electrolyte popsicles. Offer bland foods to nibble, such as mashed bananas, grated apples, Marie biscuits or pretzels. “Cornstarch is also amazing,” she says. “A quarter to half a teaspoon can be added to yoghurt, porridge, water etc, and given after every loose stool. It binds the loose stools, similar to certain medications.”

Ask your Clicks pharmacist or healthcare provider about symptomatic relief. This can include antinausea medication, antidiarrheal medication (though this may trap harmful germs in the body), or acetaminophen or ibuprofen (provided a child is over six months old) for pain or fever, which can sometimes accompany gastro. Be guided by your health provider or pharmacist.

When to seek medical attention 

If vomiting persists more than 24 hours, or diarrhoea fails to improve after two days, your child needs to be seen by a medical professional, says Dr Annandale. Young children struggle to express their discomfort clearly, so be on the lookout for signs of dehydration as it can escalate fast. Watch out for irritability, lethargy, weakness or dizziness, paleness, a dry mouth, crying without tears, a sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on an infant’s head), sunken eyes, and urinating less often (at intervals of more than six to eight hours, or producing few wet nappies). “Decreased urine output is often the easiest and most accurate sign to watch out for,” says Dr Annandale. This requires urgent medical attention. So does severe abdominal pain, or bloody diarrhoea or vomit.

Keep sick kids at home

Do not let your little one go to day care or school if they have gastro symptoms as they will infect others. Regularly wipe doorknobs and frequently touched surfaces with bleach-based cleaner to lessen the chances of gastro spreading through the family, and keep children away from vulnerable members, like frail grandparents. 

Check that your little one has been vaccinated against rotavirus as part of the South African Expanded Programme of Immunisation, given in two doses at six weeks and 14 weeks. If not, contact your health provider. Immunisations are available at select Clicks Clinics – go to clicks.co.za/clinicBooking to make a booking.

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com