News from the Health Centre

Gastroenteritis in children

Gastroenteritis is a bowel infection that causes diarrhoea and sometimes vomiting. It is caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria and spreads very easily. We have had 2 children diagnosed with gastroenteritis at the school this week. If your child is unwell with gastroenteritis symptoms, please seek medical review. We ask that you contact the school nurse to advise of the outcome of the medical review. The school requests a letter from your doctor stating when it is safe for your child to return to school.

How to prevent gastro – make sure children wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating and after going to the toilet. Make sure you wash your hands after changing nappies.

Watch for signs of dehydration – dry mouth and tongue, not passing enough urine (dry nappies in young children), sunken eyes, more sleepy than usual, cold hands and feet.

Children with gastroenteritis must keep drinking.  Make sure your child drinks clear fluids and give them fluids after every bout of vomiting or diarrhoea to ensure they do not become dehydrated. Children can eat their usual foods. Your child may refuse food at first. This is not a problem as long as they drink clear fluids. Doctors now suggest that there is no need to restrict food. Generally, if your child is hungry at any time, give then the food they would normally eat.

Go to the doctor if your child is very sick. Take your child to the doctor if they vomit often, are not drinking enough fluids and if they are showing signs of dehydration. You should also see your doctor if there is any blood in the bowel motions.  It is always best to have a medical review if you do have any concerns. Do not give your child medicines to reduce the vomiting or diarrhoea. Your child should be seen by a doctor if symptoms persist.

Keep your child at home to recover until diarrhoea and vomiting has stopped for 24hours or longer if the doctor advises. This ensures your child has time to recover and feel better. It also reduces the risk of spread to others.

If you would like further information please visit the following website:

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/gastroenteritis-in-children

Please contact me if you have any concerns.

Thank you.

Nurse Cecile