Duration of gastroenteritis in the baby
The stomach flu is not uncommon in babies. Seasonal viral and bacterial infections also occur in them and can be deposited in the gastrointestinal tract. A particularly common pathogen in infants is the rotavirus.
Nowadays, there is an early childhood vaccination available, but it cannot provide 100% protection against infection. In many cases, infants and toddlers also become infected with rotavirus before the recommended age for vaccination is reached. Babies also suffer from sudden vomiting with diarrhoea. It is extremely important to feed the child drinking and, if possible, solid food to prevent dehydration (exsiccosis) and undersupply of vital nutrients. In particular, the amount drunk by a small child must be carefully controlled, as otherwise circulatory collapse can occur.
Duration of the gastro-enteritis in the child
Large children can be treated similarly to adults for gastroenteritis. As a rule, these too are mostly harmless viral pathogens that the body can fight itself within a few days. In the first few hours of vomiting, a small amount of food should be taken in order to relieve the stomach as much as possible.
Afterwards, if the symptoms are slightly relieved, the children can eat, but dairy products should be avoided as far as possible. A visit to the doctor is only necessary if the symptoms persist after 3-4 days. Only if there has been no diarrhoea or vomiting for more than one day, the child may return to the day-care centre, kindergarten or school.
Before that, infection is still possible, which can quickly lead to rapid spread in a public institution. This could also be interesting for you:
- Vomiting in children
- Infant vomiting
- KITA or childminder – Which form of care is the right one for my child?
