Gastro- how long?

**Heaven** · April 19th, 2013, 08:18 AM

We have never had Gastro before so not sure how long it is supposed to last? DD2 got it first but she only had a temp for one night and has had a couple of episodes of diarrhea but she's fine (thank you breastfeeding!!). DD1 has had it since Monday though. She had a temp for a couple of days, and then diarrhea, some vomiting yesterday, and still diarrhea today. That's 5 days now. Should I take her to the Dr?? Don't really want to take her out and infect other people and I'm not actually worried. She is fine apart from that. I mean, she's not feeling good, and just resting. But she does have moments of being ok and playing normally. She is keeping up her fluids and eating a little. I feel that she's ok, but since we haven't had it before not sure how long before I should take her to the Dr??

**Arcadia** · April 19th, 2013, 08:50 AM

How many days of vomiting? Ds and the WHOLE family had it over Xmas. While it was 48 hours for us and dd, ds was vomiting with fevers and runny nappies for a week (7 days). He would run around and then get tired then spew and run around again so it was impossible not to spread it around.

Get some hydralyte iceypoles and try and encourage rest. Dehydration is the biggest worry.

Hugs to your little girl. Hope she's better soon.

**Frantelle** · April 19th, 2013, 08:52 AM

It can last a long time. Last time my DS got it he had the runs for 10 days. We took him to the pead and she said to just keep him hydrated with a small amount of juice in water.

And we strip washed and scrubbed everything.

Hope she is better soon!!

**Heaven** · April 19th, 2013, 08:53 AM

Thanks Arcadia.

Just one day of vomiting (yesterday). None so far today. DH picked up some gastrolyte drinks and ice blocks yesterday so they're having them today.

Think I'm getting it too :/

Thanks Frantelle. I just thought it was a 48hr things for some reason so was starting to think maybe it wasn't normal. I feel she's ok at the moment, just the diarrhea which hopefully won't go on for too much longer, so I'll trust my instinct.

**OceanPrincess** · April 19th, 2013, 08:58 AM

...Think I'm getting it too :/ ...

Maybe it's morning sickness

Seriously now, we've had a few bouts... DD was what it sounds like your dd is now, off for a few days. Lasted about a week. Hang in there xx

**Heaven** · April 19th, 2013, 08:59 AM

LOL, I wish it was morning sickness!

**Frantelle** · April 19th, 2013, 09:03 AM

It is just horrible - I always get it two days later, then DH will get it the day after. You can set your watch by it.

Also, and I did not know this, but the are contagious for 24-48 hours after their last bowel movement or vomit.

I hope you all feel better soon.

**Heaven** · April 19th, 2013, 09:14 AM

Yeah, it's not great! I was surprised we had even avoided it until now. I hope they're over it soon because I'm sick of not being able to even do some shopping! Thanks for the info about the contagious period too.

**BhoysGirl** · April 19th, 2013, 09:18 AM

My DS2 has had gastro maybe 4 times, but he each time he vomited at least once a day for 5 or so days. It's ace, the gift that keeps on giving. First day or so were the worst, then it eased off though on subsequent days.

My DS1 has usually been pretty full on for the first day, but then clears up reasonably quickly. He was hospitalised with gastro at 7 months, and I'm pretty sure they said that the virus is live in their systems for around 10 days, even if it just looks like normal poo it's still there, so be thorough with hand washing. This post is probably going to jinx me now, because we haven't had a dose for over 12 months I reckon

**Olive** · April 19th, 2013, 09:25 AM

The runs can last for weeks unfortunately

avoid swimming for two weeks as well as you can still transmit it.
Hope you don't get it

Xxxxx
ETA oh and get some good probiotics

**diva det** · April 19th, 2013, 12:17 PM

aww hugs hun
gastro is horrible
gastro is contageous even for 48 hours AFTER the last episode so even after she stops, you should avoid outsiders for another 2 days!!
Some things to do which might help break the cycle are...
-stick to your own cutlery, crockery etc- dont use each others during the contageous times!!
-get some disinfectant/ antibacteria wipes- whatever you use and with either a baby wipe or a disposable cloth wash over every surface - that means door knobs, backs of chairs, front of fridge, bench tops- anything and everywhere you touch (door knobs are one of the most common places for bugs to live) But make sure you dont cross contaminate. As soon as the cloth starts to dry a little- throw it out and use another one!! I bought the disposable clothes you get from the supermarket that are impregnated with cleaning goods but otherwise make your own with a disinfectant and a baby wipe or paper towel. Also dont forget about wiping over their favourite toys too.
-Spray every room with something like Glen 20 that kills gastro germs - gatro germs can be air born- also after each of you use the toilet- use the glen 20 in the toilet and even spray the seat, flusher etc each time!
-Wash your floors with a cleaner that says it kills gastro germs in it. Also put some tea tree in the water as its a natural antiseptic
-Change bedding and washing over the bed frames too!!! A pain but so many gastro germs love to live close by to where we sleep!!. Also wipe over alarm clocks, lamp switches- everything

I use a natural cleaner that you get from Coles to disinfect everything- its the one in the purple container- can let you know what its called if you cant find it
I find the Glen 20 spray is great to cover a big distance quickly, especially toy areas and areas that you have to keep on re - disinfecting (like the toilet) to break the cycle
If you arnt keen on the Glen 20 I am sure there is a natural alternative you could make and spray using essential oils
Just be really viliagent with hygiene for a few days and it will make a huge difference!!

More importantly- let fresh air in to air out your house as much as you can- sunlight is a great disinfectant as well!!
Hugs hun and good luck
xxxx

**Eenee** · April 19th, 2013, 01:54 PM

Yeah it sucks DS had it around easter and so we couldn't go away as planned and as can't go anywhere until 48hrs afterwards you feel like you are locked away from the world. I showered DS after every diarrhoea episode, probably over the top but he liked it and at least I knew he was clean. Plus no one else got it

. His lasted about a week.

Here's some info Kids Health Info : Gastroenteritis (gastro)

**Heaven** · April 19th, 2013, 08:31 PM

Thanks for all the tips Det!! And the link too Eenee

**murrayandbellasmumma** · April 19th, 2013, 09:10 PM

gastro is such a hard one hugs
keep up fluids maybe get a check up with gp if not responding to fluids
hope your little one feels better soon

**Lisa** · April 19th, 2013, 10:56 PM

I have tried this on me & 2 of my kids and it worked for stopping gastro for us.

Take a few teaspoons of organic coconut oil. We caught it before we were vomiting but had the diahorreah. It stopped it within a few hours and I personally felt loads better.