From the Nurse

January 27, 2010

A 24 hour gastro-intestinal virus has plagued many students.  Symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.  There is no fever with this virus, but a day of weakness does follow the initial 24 hours.

 

Recently, another virus has moved in.  This is also gastro-intestinal, however one symptom is different; there is a fever.  The fever can get quite high. According to emergency room staff, this virus can last up to 4 days. 

 

When a child has a gastro-intestinal virus one of the most important factors is to keep your child hydrated.  Knowing signs of dehydration is important.  These signs include little or lack of urine which could appear darker in color than usual; irritability; dry mouth; cracked lips; no tears when crying; or sleepiness. When a child runs a fever; the risk of dehydration increases, so it is important to keep an eye out for these symptoms when a fever occurs.

 

To help keep your child hydrated, you may try clear soups, clear sodas, or juice mixed with water.  Some physicians recommend oral rehydration solutions to replace nutrients lost through fever, vomiting and diarrhea.  If your child is vomiting try giving him/her small amounts of these fluids at a time.  This can be as small as a teaspoonful every minute.  When your child is able to keep these fluids down, you may slowly increase the amount of fluids you give.  If your child can not keep this small amount of fluid down, wait 30-60 minutes after the last time he/she vomited and then try small sips again.

 

According to articles written by the Cleveland clinic, a child under six years old should seek medical attention when vomiting lasts more than a few hours; diarrhea is present; signs of dehydration occur; there is a fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit; or the child hasn’t urinated for six hours.  A child over six years old should seek medical attention if vomiting lasts more than one day; diarrhea combined with vomiting lasts more than 24 hours; there are signs of dehydration; there is a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit; or the child hasn’t urinated for six hours.

 

Once again, I want to remind you a child needs to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.  A fever is considered 100.4 Fahrenheit or greater.  

 

Hang in there, we will get through this one too!