Sick child

No matter what your family has planned, a sick child puts all activities on hold.  Flu season is upon us. You can’t watch the news without feeling nervous about the dangers of this sickness.  What do you do if it hits your family?  First, be sure that you recognize the quick onset of symptoms and contact your doctor.  Once you get treatment and the “sickies” are recovering, what can you do to be sure you are providing the proper care? 

This writing is not meant to replace your doctor’s advice. The information contained in this column is research based educational material from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Science Extension programming.  As a mom, I am always ready to learn about how to help my children – especially if they are sick.  Thankfully, the flu hasn’t hit my family; but if it does, I want to be sure that I know how to help my children recover.  Your local Extension office has a variety of materials that can help you have a higher quality of life in your home community.  If you aren’t involved in Extension, call me! We have information on many topics that we are always glad to share.  

All moms think about feeding their kids every day.  Something to eat is usually their first request in the morning and the last request at night!  When kids are sick, this is more challenging than usual.  But proper nourishment can help them get better so keep reading and YOU will feel better about knowing how to help:    

Nourishing a sick child may be a challenge. Loss of appetite typically accompanies fever and the aches and

pains of feeling bad. The flu or a bad cold may make a child less active, requiring fewer calories. But fever increases the heart rate and breathing, causing caloric needs to increase.

For short illnesses, the best plan is to make sure your child drinks plenty of liquids. If a child rejects food for a day don’t panic. But if he or she rejects all liquids as well, call your pediatrician. Infants shouldn’t go any longer than 8-10 hours without liquid before calling your pediatrician.

Signs of dehydration include: diminished urine flow; darkened urine; fewer tears when crying; lethargy; a parched, dry mouth; or, in infants a sunken soft spot on top of the head.

To prevent dehydration, infants under age one need at least one to two ounces of fluid per hour; kids over one, need at least three to four ounces of fluid per hour. Your doctor may recommend a commercial oral rehydration solution available in most grocery and drug stores. These solutions have the optimal concentration of sugar and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. If a child is vomiting or has diarrhea, they will need more fluids to replace what has been lost.

Your child’s symptoms and age will determine the kind of fluids and food they may tolerate. Higher-sugar beverages, such as juice, soft drinks, sports drinks, or diluted gelatin, are ineffective and may actually worsen diarrhea in children.

Don’t force-feed a child if they temporarily lose interest in food. Instead, offer small frequent snacks. Simple solids, such as bananas, applesauce, crackers, dry toast, and flavored gelatin, tend to be well accepted. Unsweetened cereals and their favorite fruit or vegetable may also be good choices.

Once your child shows signs of recovery, slowly begin solid foods and other liquids. There is no need to totally rest the gut, as was once practiced. Studies show that early refeeding with milk or food, may even reduce the duration of diarrhea.