It's that time of year!

Stomach Flu

Caused by a variety of nasty viruses, viral gastroenteritis inflames the stomach and intestines.

Symptoms: Range from low-grade fever and muscle aches to abdominal cramps, vomiting, and watery diarrhea.

Incubation Period: (How long you must wait after exposure until you find out if your child has caught it.) One to three days.

Contagious Period: Beginning of symptoms until at least three days after recovery.

How to avoid: Keep your child's hands and fingers out of her mouth, employ frequent hand washing.

Treatment: Avoid dehydration by giving her oral electrolyte solution like Pedialyte. (Mom tip: serve it cold and tell your child to take small sips.) When vomiting has ceased for four hours, try a spoonful of clear non-dairy liquid like chicken broth or apple juice, then move to an ounce of liquid, then gradually introduce solid foods - dry toast is a good start.

When to see a doctor: If vomiting persists and/or child hasn't urinated in more than 12 hours, if there is blood in his vomit, urine or stool, or worsening of abdominal pain.

Return to the day home: Let your child's health and energy level be your guide.

**Remember each provider has their own illness policy for their day home.

Excerpt from Canadian Family Magazine