In young children, the main danger of acute diarrhea is the risk of dehydration. The distribution of this brochure takes place as France enters the first week of the gastroenteritis epidemic.
This brochure entitled “Diarrhea in young children, avoid dehydration” is available from pediatricians, general practitioners, nurseries, primary health insurance funds, and maternal and child protection centers.
Experts from the Ministry of Health and Inpes have gathered information and advice to follow in the event of diarrhea in young children.
To avoid this risk of dehydration, young parents should first of all suggest that their child drink oral rehydration solution (ORS). They can offer it every hour at the onset of the disease.
Experts advise parents to have these drinkable solutions on them at all times. These solutions are available in pharmacies on prescription.
Parents should also regularly offer their child to eat foods they enjoy, or continue to feed if they are breastfeeding.
Experts advise to monitor the child until the end of the diarrhea by taking his temperature. Parents should monitor the number of bowel movements, vomiting, rehydration solutions, or food consumed. If symptoms persist, parents should talk to their doctor.
Source: www.inpes.sante.fr
