Undoubtedly, it is very painful to see your toddler in discomfort and pain, even if it is mild. Diarrhoea is an infectious disease that not only gives uneasiness to kids, but it can also prove to be dangerous if not treated appropriately and timely. Prevention of any stomach infections is important, and practicing preventive measures can help your children from getting sick. Stomach infection can be caused by viruses (rotavirus, norovirus), bacteria, and parasites. If your child has a stomach infection, they may show few hard-to-miss symptoms like:
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps and pain
- Mild fever
- Vomiting and nausea
- Chills
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Sleepiness
As said earlier, prevention is better than cure. Here are easy but effective ways to prevent stomach infection among pre-schoolers:
- Sanitation: Stomach infections, especially diarrhoea are easily transferred via the fecal-oral route. Thus, it is highly important to exercise safe sanitation. Dispose of your child’s feces properly, as their stools usually contain higher pathogens than that of the adults’. Also, it is important to keep the toilets and bathroom floors clean and germ-free. Make use of a good disinfectant liquid periodically to sanitize the toilet area.
- Wash hands often: A most effective way to prevent any infectious disease is washing hands frequently and thoroughly. One needs to inculcate this habit in toddlers as well, teach them to wash hands, especially before eating food and after using a toilet. Our hands can be the best carrier of germs, which can lead to stomach infections. Using a good anti-bacterial soap or hand-sanitizers is the best way to avoid the passing of germs into your body through your hands.
- Safe drinking water: Contaminated water and lack of safe drinking water is the main cause of transmission of diarrhoea. Thus, keeping stored water in a clean and covered vessel is a good way to practice. Also, treating your drinking water can help prevent any infections.
- Maintain food hygiene: Like water, keep your food clean and covered. Focus on the nutritional value of food while preparing it for toddlers; giving them fresh home-cooked food may accelerate their resistance to stomach infections.
- Giving timely vaccine: Rotavirus is the main culprit and tends to infect young babies and toddlers. This virus might cause vomiting and watery diarrhoea. Protect your little ones against rotavirus by vaccinating them and lessen the chances of getting infected by severe diarrhoea.
Although stomach infections are common in pre-schoolers, it is really hard to watch the child suffer. Try the remedies above to prevent your child from getting stomach infections in the first place and keep them safe and comfortable. Know that the bug goes away quickly, even if your child is infected. Follow your instincts and talk to your child’s doctor if the infection lingers or symptoms show up any serious signs. Doctors will put your child on a proper medication to treat the infection.
