Caring for a Child With a Stomach Bug in Brampton: Fluids, Rest and Warning Signs

It often starts in the middle of the night. A child calls out, and by the time you reach the bedroom, the sheets need changing. Over the next day or two, vomiting gives way to diarrhea, your child does not want to eat, and you start counting wet diapers or trips to the bathroom. Then, just as they start to recover, someone else in the house begins to feel queasy.

Stomach bugs, usually caused by viruses, are a regular part of childhood, especially in winter when children spend more time indoors together. The medical term is gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. While it is miserable while it lasts, most children recover fully within a few days with good home care.

The most important thing parents can do is prevent dehydration. This article explains how, describes the signs that mean a child needs medical attention, and offers practical steps for keeping the rest of the household well. Our pharmacists at Pharmasave BramNorth on Dewside Drive can help you choose rehydration products and answer questions along the way.

What usually causes vomiting and diarrhea in kids

Most cases of gastroenteritis in children are caused by viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus. These viruses spread easily through contact with an infected person, contaminated hands, surfaces or food. Bacteria and parasites can also cause gastroenteritis, sometimes through contaminated food or water, but viral infections are far more common in children.

Symptoms often include:

• Sudden vomiting, which usually settles within the first day or so.
• Watery diarrhea, which may last several days.
• Stomach cramps.
• Low-grade fever.
• Loss of appetite and tiredness.

Rotavirus vaccine, given to babies as part of Ontario’s routine schedule, has reduced the number of severe rotavirus infections in young children. Ask your doctor whether your baby is up to date.

Why fluids matter more than food

Vomiting and diarrhea cause the body to lose water and salts, known as electrolytes. Babies and young children have smaller fluid reserves than adults, so they can become dehydrated more quickly. Replacing those fluids is the cornerstone of care.

Food is less important in the first day or so. Most children will not want to eat much, and that is fine for a short time as long as they are drinking. As they start to feel better, their appetite will return.

Oral rehydration solutions: the go-to fluid

Oral rehydration solutions are specially formulated to replace water and electrolytes in the right balance. They are available at pharmacies in ready-to-drink liquids, freezer pops and powders to mix with water. They are generally a better choice than water alone, juice, sports drinks or soft drinks, which do not have the right balance of sugar and salts and may make diarrhea worse.

Tips for using rehydration solutions:

• Start small and slow. After vomiting, offer small sips frequently, such as a spoonful or a few millilitres from an oral syringe every few minutes. Gulping large amounts can trigger more vomiting.
• Increase gradually. If your child keeps the fluid down, slowly increase the amount.
• Use freezer pops for children who refuse to drink. Many children accept a frozen pop when they will not accept a cup.
• Follow the package directions for mixing powders and storing opened products.
• Do not make your own solution at home unless a healthcare provider has given you a specific recipe, as getting the balance wrong can be harmful.

The amount of fluid a child needs depends on their age, weight and how much they are losing. Ask a pharmacist or your doctor for guidance specific to your child.

Feeding babies and young children during illness

If you are breastfeeding, keep going. Breast milk provides fluids and nutrients and is gentle on the stomach. You may want to offer shorter, more frequent feeds. Your doctor or pharmacist may suggest offering oral rehydration solution between feeds.

For formula-fed babies, continue with the usual formula unless your doctor advises otherwise. Do not dilute formula unless instructed.

For older children, once vomiting has settled, offer their usual diet in small amounts as their appetite returns. The idea of restricting children to only plain foods for many days is no longer generally recommended; an age-appropriate normal diet supports recovery. Avoid very sugary drinks and foods while diarrhea continues.

Medicines: ask before you give

It can be tempting to reach for something to stop the vomiting or diarrhea, but many anti-diarrheal and anti-nausea products sold for adults are not recommended for children. Some can be harmful in young children.

If your child has a fever or is uncomfortable, ask a pharmacist whether a fever reducer suitable for their age and weight is appropriate. Do not give any product meant to stop diarrhea or vomiting to a child without first speaking with a pharmacist or doctor. If your child takes regular medicines and has been vomiting, call the pharmacy for advice on whether a dose needs to be repeated or adjusted.

Probiotic products are sometimes discussed for diarrhea in children. Evidence varies between products, so ask your pharmacist or doctor before using one.

Signs of dehydration to watch for

Keep an eye on your child throughout the illness. Signs of dehydration include:

• Fewer wet diapers or less urine than usual; dark yellow urine.
• Dry mouth and lips, or a sticky tongue.
• No tears when crying.
• Sunken eyes, or a sunken soft spot on top of a baby’s head.
• Unusual sleepiness, irritability or lack of energy.
• Cool hands and feet.
• Dizziness in older children.

Keeping a simple log of fluids given, wet diapers and episodes of vomiting or diarrhea can help you see trends and give useful information to a healthcare provider.

When to call a doctor or go to the emergency department

Seek medical care promptly if your child:

• Shows signs of moderate or severe dehydration.
• Is a baby younger than six months with vomiting or diarrhea.
• Cannot keep any fluids down for several hours.
• Has green vomit, blood in the vomit, or blood in the stool.
• Has severe or constant stomach pain.
• Is very drowsy, difficult to wake, or confused.
• Has a high fever, or any fever in a baby under three months.
• Has a chronic condition such as diabetes or kidney disease.

If you are unsure, Health811 can connect you with a registered nurse at any hour. Call 911 for an emergency.

Stopping the bug from spreading at home

Stomach viruses spread easily, particularly norovirus, which can survive on surfaces. In homes where several generations live together, protecting older relatives and infants is important.

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the toilet, changing diapers and before preparing food. Hand sanitizer is less effective against some stomach viruses than soap and water.
• Clean contaminated surfaces promptly with a household disinfectant, following the product’s instructions. Wear gloves if you have them.
• Wash soiled laundry separately on a hot setting.
• Keep the sick person out of the kitchen, and do not let them prepare food for others while sick and for a few days afterward if possible.
• Avoid sharing towels, cups and utensils.

Most schools and child care centres ask that children stay home until they have been free of vomiting and diarrhea for a set period, often 48 hours. Check your school’s policy, and see Peel Public Health’s website for general guidance about illness in schools and child care.

Food safety at home to prevent future bugs

Not every stomach upset is caught from another person. Food that has been undercooked, left out too long or prepared on unclean surfaces can also cause illness. Busy households preparing large family meals, school lunches and leftovers for the week benefit from a few kitchen habits.

Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood separate from foods that will not be cooked, and use separate cutting boards when possible. Cook meats thoroughly; a food thermometer takes the guesswork out of it. Refrigerate leftovers promptly rather than leaving them on the counter for hours after a gathering, and reheat them until steaming hot. Pack school lunches with an ice pack when they include perishable items, and wash lunch containers daily. Health Canada publishes general food safety tips on its website, including safe internal cooking temperatures for different foods, if you would like more detail.

Getting supplies without leaving a sick child

When a child is ill, getting to the pharmacy can be difficult, particularly in a single-parent household or when other children are also sick. It is a good idea to keep a small supply of oral rehydration solution at home, checking expiry dates periodically.

If you do need supplies or a prescription while caring for a sick child, ask us about our home delivery service and whether it reaches your area. You can also use our prescription refill service to have a regular medicine ready before you arrive.

Questions? Talk to our pharmacists

Stomach bugs are exhausting for children and parents alike. If you have questions about rehydration, which products are appropriate, or whether your child’s symptoms need to be seen, we are here to help.

Pharmasave BramNorth is located at 25 & 26 - 2 Dewside Drive, Brampton, ON L6R 3Y5. Call us at (905) 792-7333, visit our contact page for store details, or schedule a conversation using our booking page.

The content of this article is general health information. Every child is different, and decisions about care should be made with a pharmacist, doctor or nurse who can assess your child.