Sudden vomiting followed by diarrhea or loose stools … cause of gastroenteritis is often rotavirus, a particularly contagious virus. When you add a lack of appetite, stomach aches, fatigue and sometimes the temperature which can rise to 40 °, you have to react. “Better to consult or call the doctor because the little ones can become dehydrated “, advises Arnault Pfersdorff, pediatrician and creator of the pediatric-online platform.
The right reflex: rehydration sachets
We start by replacing their usual diet with oral rehydration solutions (ORS) diluted in water. Only breastfeeding mothers will continue to offer the breast to their baby, in addition to fluids.
These solutions do not suppress diarrhea, but they make it possible to compensate for the loss of water and especially mineral salts due to diarrhea and vomiting. Over-the-counter in pharmacies, they are reimbursed on medical prescription.
Provide two 200 ml bottles during the day for an infant, three after two years. To reduce their taste, which is not appreciated by children, Dr Pfersdorff recommends keeping them in the fridge once mixed or giving them in small quantities with a syringe, pipette or teaspoon, throughout the day.
If the child has a fever
If he has a temperature, we undress him and leave him in a bodysuit or in diapers. Beyond 38 ° (less than a year) or 38.5 °, we can give him paracetamol (15 mg per kilo of weight every 6 hours). Also, be sure to change her diaper often to prevent diarrhea from “attacking” her skin. We wash his buttocks with soap and water, then dry them by dabbing with a towel, before applying a protective product such as oleo-limestone liniment.
When to resume milk?
The child’s condition should improve within a few hours. If he continues to vomit whatever he takes, if he is drowsy, looks very limp, his eyes gray-outlined, ihe must be taken quickly to the doctor or in emergencies.
But as soon as he has not vomited for 3 or 4 hours, depending on his age, you can start by giving him 5 measures infant milk instead of 7 for a 210 ml bottle, growth milk cut in half with water and for the older ones, cooked carrots, rice, applesauce, mashed banana.
But keep it at home to prevent it from infecting others, let it rest for a few days.
Should he be vaccinated?
Pediatric societies recommend practicing this vaccination from 2 months. “Rotavirus causes the most serious and common form of gastroenteritis”, recalls Dr. Robert Cohen, pediatrician. “Especially since a child can be infected several times, by different strains. This vaccination is also included in the vaccination calendar of the majority of European countries”.
But in the field, doctors judge on a case-by-case basis, advising her to children “fragile” or kept in community. It is not reimbursed by the Health Insurance but by certain mutuals and is not among new compulsory vaccinations.
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