Survive The Stomach Flu With These Easy Tips

A few weeks ago I got THE CALL  You know the one…  Your phone rings, and you see that it’s your child’s school calling. There’s only 1 or 2 reasons your child’s school might call you during the day.  Either they’re sick, or their teacher needs to discuss something with you.  It’s usually the former.  Sure enough, my 2nd grader had complained that she didn’t feel very well, and shortly thereafter, fell asleep in the classroom!  I drove to pick her up early, but not soon enough…  She vomited twice in the hallway while walking to the office.

And that was the beginning of a very, very, very bad week in our household.  This is a form of family bonding that I can definitely live without.

These things run amuck around our children’s schools, so if it hits your household, here are a few tips for dealing with is:

• Stay hydrated.  This is incredibly important.  For children, choose an electrolyte replacement such as Pedialyte or Vitamin water (I choose the Vitamin Zero variety, because it’s not full of sugar or red dyes).  Note:  During “Phase 1” of the stomach virus, vomiting tends to be frequent.  You should avoid drinking anything at all until you haven’t vomited for at least 30-60 minutes.  And then, take small sips only…every few minutes or so. Too much liquid too quickly could trigger more vomiting.
• Some people recommend drinking peach juice for electrolyte balance.  Buy canned peaches in heavy syrup, wait until you haven’t been sick for 30-60 minutes, and then drink 1 T. of the juice.  If you were able to keep it down, drink another 1 T. of the juice in 15 minutes.  Some Moms swear this is a lifesaver.  (I haven’t tried it.)
• Once you have not vomited (or…you know what else) for several hours, slowly reintroduce food to your system, choosing wisely what you consume.  The BRAT diet is your best bet, of course.  For kids, I usually start with Kix cereal (dry, no milk) or goldfish crackers…then we move on to a fruit pouch (applesauce)…juice/water… I would avoid dairy (milk, cheese) for a minimum of 24 hours.
• Wash EVERYTHING!  Bed linens, hand towels, bath tub, etc.  Clorox wipe all surfaces which may have come into contact with the virus.  That’s a HUGE job…door handles, remotes, toilet flush handles, light switches…  It’s worth the effort.  You do NOT want this thing making another round in your household!  I usually spray Lysol on the bed mattress and pillows, and you might want to toss their tooth brushes and buy new ones.
• Make a sick bucket (like the one below in the pic) that is stocked with soups, juices, and crackers. Keep it handy during the sicky times of the year.
• Keep a throw up bucket or trash can lined with sacks. As the first sack gets used, throw out the bag and you’ll be ready for the next round.
• Keep hand sanitizer around the house, and remind your family to use it often. It’s always best to wash your hands with real soap and water as much as you can!!
• REST, REST, REST!  I know this is practically impossible for the sick Mommy who is caring for everyone else. Where the kids are concerned, I encourage them to sleep, watch movies or read for as long as it takes them to regain their energy.  This is one time when I have no problem with a TV or iPAD marathon.  Whatever it takes to keep them grounded for awhile.

It is unbelievably heartbreaking to watch your little one be sick.  They don’t understand why they feel so terrible, and they don’t know when it will end.  It’s just awful.  So naturally, the very, very, very best thing you can do under those circumstances is to cover them with love and prayer, and make them as comfy as possible.

Here’s to hoping you don’t get that dreaded phone call from school anytime soon!

Being sick is no fun at all but we all know it’s bound to happen.  Check out these tips on getting ready for the sick season.