Hello all, we are a little concerned right now, our 4 year old son just caught a bug as well as another family member. He started with a headache 3 days ago then puking and fever. It was around 100 max via temporal thermometer. My mother in law had same symptoms but hers lasted less time and no headache. Our son continued to vomit next day as well as complain of headache. Today he woke up saying his forehead hurt again. Could all this be due to the same virus? What are you alls experience with a virus of this nature? Thanks,
To me it sounds like stomach flu. That can last over a week.
My rule of thumb is - if we are lethargic, not able to function normally, and are getting dehydrated - in we go to the doctor if its been more than a couple of days.
Otherwise we just take over the counter meds and drink lots of fluids.
Sometimes these things really linger. 3-4 days happens with a number of viruses, sometimes as much as a week.
Dehydration is the main problem - the temp isn't that high. I wouldn't medicate that fever unless he's got a bad headache. A cool cloth can be comforting.
For fluids, start slowly after the vomiting (at least 3 hours after last vomit), and just give fluids in small doses. Water, popsicles, ice chips. Ginger ale (no other soda) stirred so it's flat can help - it's the ginger, not the carbonation that helps. Keeping his sugar level up can help as well. You can graduate to pedialyte. Try not to give anything with a lot of dyes in it, although a little jello might be okay. Really wait in between though - at least one hour to be sure things stay down.
Then you can give some saltines or oyster crackers.
Don't be surprised if this moves downward and he gets diarrhea. That's very common. Do you know about the BRAT diet? Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast. No dairy.
If he's a little dehydrated (from not being able to keep the fluids down), he could have headaches. When our son complains of headaches, we always tell him to get a glass of water. Sometimes he gets busy and forgets to drink.
Sounds like he's just got a bug and needs to let it run it's course. It stinks, but he's going to be fine.
Thank’s for your question J..
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Sounds like a stomach bug, but not he flu (which is a respiratory illness). Headache is common with dehydration but if it continues after he is keeping fluid down I would consult my Ped.
It sounds like the bug that's been making the rounds this year.
Kids and adults have been getting it.
Just my theory but if a kid isn't feeling well to begin with, he probably isn't drinking enough fluids and being a bit dehydrated can make a headache worse.
Have him sip water, suck on Popsicles, Pedialyte, Gatorade, clear soup broth, ginger ale (either warm or cold), etc.
A warm bath can be comforting (our son always likes one when he's got stomach trouble) and you can absorb some fluid that way too.
I hope he feels better soon.
