Down with stomach flu

Sunday, April 8, 2012

It seems like with more children, we got sick way more often. This time stomach flu hit us like a truck. Two of our adult friends went to emergency care earlier this year due to stomach flu. Imagine how little Wes feels when he got it. I got the bug one day after Wes. Then, I understand the pain that he has to endured: abdominal cramping, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting. The last time I feel this way was 3 years ago when we were in Indonesia. Up to today, Wesley lost 3 pounds and I lost 4 pounds. Thankfully, I recovered quiet fast while Wes still slowly recovering: less diarrhea and can eat a little bit.

Some helpful information we learned about how to handle stomach flu:

1. The viruses are very contagious and spread through close contact with infected people. Washing your hands often is the most effective way to stop the spread of these viruses to others.
2. Wait 'till the vomiting stop before giving the person milk or food to eat because the stomach is still too weak to digest. Do not worry them not eating because once they recover they will get their appetite back. Instead make sure he gets enough liquid. The doctor here recommends Smart Water/ Pedialyte/ Gatorade/ Vitamin Water diluted but both of my boys do not like those drinks so instead we give them these soothing drinks.
3. Once they are no longer vomiting and ready to eat, start with easy to digest food such as banana, avocado, papaya, or porridge. Do not give them acidic foods.
4. One night Wesley wake up in the middle of the night crying and nothing we did can soothe him until we put Minyak Kayu Putih/ Cajuput Oil and our homemade heat pad on his tummy
5. Make sure they get enough rest/ sleep
6. Pray A LOT!

On the other note:
Today is Easter Day, when Christians remember Christ's death and celebrate His resurrection.

Hebrews 4:15-16


  1. Get well soon, neighbor ... i can imagine what wes is going through we are still praying for all of you. hope you guys feel better soon & we can hang out again :)

  2. Hope everyone is feeling better today :)