Argyle High School UNICEF Club

AHS UNICEF Club

The AHS UNICEF Club volunteered for a nonprofit organization in Fort Worth called Beautiful Feet over Spring Break. They helped to serve breakfast to the homeless and helped the organization by providing much-needed assistance with cleaning and organizing their buildings. The students enjoyed serving those in need and plan to go back to help over the summer.

“It was a great experience for the entire group and this is the type of thing we always try to do to make a positive impact in the community and surroundings.” 2021 - 2022 AHS Club President, Alex Daggett said. The club is currently working on multiple projects and is looking forward to welcoming new members in the Fall.

STOMACH FLU in children

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach bug or stomach flu, can be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites. These germs infect the stomach or intestines causing inflammation. Typically the symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, belly cramps and sometimes a fever. Symptoms usually last a few days and most kids will improve with only rest and hydration.

In children, the most common cause of gastroenteritis are viruses. There are no specific treatments for viral gastroenteritis, as the mainstay of treatment is hydration. Oral hydration should be in frequent small amounts. If a large amount of fluid is consumed at once, the child will likely get nauseated and vomit again. Babies should be re-hydrated with oral hydration solutions such as Pedialyte, Enfalyte or a store brand. Avoid using fruit juices, sodas or undiluted sports drinks with kids, as it contains high amounts of sugar and can cause diarrhea to worsen. An oral medication can be prescribed (depending on the age) to be used at home for severe nausea and vomiting. It allows the child to rehydrate without continuing to vomit. Once your child is tolerating fluids, you may offer small amounts of bland foods.

If your child looks dehydrated despite all the effort to hydrate orally, then an emergency room visit may be needed to administer IV fluids. Signs of dehydration include lethargy, dry tongue and lips, no tears when crying, limited wet diapers or no urine in more than 5-8 hours.

Diarrhea treatment includes avoiding foods and drinks that contain sugar, and also starting a daily probiotic. If the child is having frequent diarrhea for more than one week, develops a fever or blood in the stool, then your provider may want to send a stool sample to a lab to identify the cause of the stomach bug. Certain bacterial illnesses may be treated with antibiotics, especially illnesses associated with blood in the stool and fever. Avoid any type of anti-diarrheal medication such as Immodium, as it is better to let the bug run its course.

Finally, keep your child out of school or daycare until 24 hours without vomiting or fever, and also when diarrhea has improved. These bugs are contagious, so good hand washing and cleaning areas that are touched often such as tabletops, countertops and door knobs can prevent the spread.

by Priscila Vidal, CPNP

940.455.7200 | LantanaPediatrics.com

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