HEALTH WARNING: GASTRO
The NHM has seen an outbreak of Gastro amongst families and would like to issue a warning and help parents coping with the illness.
Our long weekend was consumed with washing vomitus sheets and changing massive amounts of nappies more than normal as our poor babies suffered through and awful bought of Gastro. Lucky my partner hasn’t come down with it yet he was just a little ‘unwell’ towards the end of last week. I on the other hand have been hit relatively hard needing bed rest and incapable of doing mum duties, which makes life super hard!
We seem to be on the mend but some NHM Mummas have reported that their bubs and kids have had to be hospitalised with it.
Tips
use lots of Glen 20 and antibacterial Gastro is highly contagious
give a small baby little amounts Hydralyte with a syringe to keep their fluids up
if your baby is breastfeed continue to breastfeed them as they will take it
suck on ice cubes
Signs of Gastro
feeling unwell, not wanting to eat or drink
vomiting beings for 24-48 hours followed by diarrhoea which can last upto 10 days
stomach pain
fever
Go to the hospital if
your child or baby is not holding down any fluids
they appear limp or less responsive to you than they would normally be
More
Gastro is super contagious
The germs are mainly spread by the vomit or faeces of an infected person or through hand-to-hand contact.
Kids sharing toys and bottles is also a no no. Unless you’re a super parent chances are if one child has got it it’s going to move through the house.
You can prevent the spread through hand washing, antibacterial gels, Glen 20, disinfecting bed linen. People with the disease stay contagious for a time after they’ve recovered too.
Gastro won’t always appear straight away
You may come into contact with the virus but it can take two or three days after exposure to the virus before the symptoms appear.
Gastro can be life-threatening
Due to dehydration, mainly in babies, small children and the elderly. The symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea cause the body to lose a lot of fluid, so it is important to keep drinking.
Gastro can be treated
For most adults, gastro should ease up within a few days, if you are worried about your loved one’s fluid intake though consult a doctor to seek treatment.
Continue to try and eat if you have gastro
Dry toast, biscuits or anything bland is the way to go. Steer clear of dairy. Taking in food helps the lining of the intestine to heal more quickly, and allows the body to regain strength.
Preventing Gastro
The advice says that if you practise good hand hygiene, and teach your children from an early age the importance of washing hands with soap and water you can prevent them getting sick but we all know this is near impossible.
Caring for other NHM Families
Sick parents and children should stay away from childcare, preschool, school or work until there has been no vomiting or diarrhoea for at least 24 hours.
Also stay away from swimming pools, communal activities and other childrens toys and things. Wash down frequently touched surfaces in the house.