What’s Going Around this week appears to be affecting children more than adults. Florida Hospital -Centra Care data shows an increase in children with Gastroenteritis in certain areas of Central Florida. While kids were most often diagnosed with the illness, parents need to be cautious, because gastroenteritis is very contagious.
Centra Care physicians have seen an increase in patients with gastroenteritis at the following centers:
- Sand Lake – up 500%
- Sanford – up 450%
- Lake Buena Vista – up 375 %
- Azalea Park and Conway – up 300%
- Lee Road – up 175%
Often called stomach flu, Gastroenteritis is caused by an intestinal virus — not the influenza virus.
You can become ill by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Though, poor hand washing most commonly transmits viruses.
Abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and a low-grade fever are common symptoms of gastroenteritis. The illness often leads to dehydration. So parents need to look for dehydration symptoms which include: decreased urination, extreme lethargy and light-headedness.
Children need to be reminded to wash their hands frequently, and not to share beverages and eating utensils. Also, because of close contact with your children, parents need to be diligent about hand washing, especially after using the bathroom, handling diapers and when handling or preparing food.
Here are a few recommendations if you or your child falls ill:
* It’s extremely important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of clear liquids like water, sport drinks (for adults), and pediatric electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte. Don’t drink too much at one time. It is best to take small frequent sips or suck on ice cubes.
* See a doctor if your child is unable to keep any fluids down.
* Avoid giving your child dairy, caffeine, and spicy foods until they feel better.
* Make sure your child gets plenty of rest
The stomach flu is viral in nature so it can’t be treated with antibiotics; but, Centra Care physicians can prescribe medication that can stop the vomiting, slow the diarrhea and prevent dehydration.
There are 18 Centra Care Urgent Care locations with a Florida Hospital certified physician on site 7- days a week. Centra Care accepts most major insurance plans and there is no appointment necessary. For locations and phone numbers visit: www.CentraCare.org.
