Pre- K and Kindergarten ailments

We have seen several ilnesses recently in Pre-K and Kindergarten that parents need to know about. The stomach virus that has been making the rounds is sometimes accompanied by high fever (may get to 103 or 104 before Tylenol/ Motrin) for a day or two, and stomach upset/ diarrhea that lasts for several days. Children seem to begin to feel better, but diarrhea persists for several days. Remember to gradually re-introduce solid food. Begin with clear fluids, such as water, ginger ale, clear soups, while they are having severe diarrhea. Ask your pediatrician about using pedialite during this time, helpful in preventing dehydration. There is new thought about what foods to use with children who are just getting over severe diarrhea, but who still have episodes of it, especially after they eat. Ask your doctor about the BRAT diet. Some pediatricians favor it, others do not. And, please keep your child at home while your child has diarrhea. Place extra clothing in your child's backpack when they are ready to return to school, just in case.
The other thing to watch for is persistent coughing (lasting for several days), with later fever development. If the fever (over 103) is untouched by medication (Tylenol, Motrin) and other interventions (lukewarm bathing), call your pediatrician. With 2 of our kiddos, chest films (xray) revealed pneumonia, even after the doctor heard nothing when listening to each child's chest. Hearing nothing may be a sign that part of their lung is blocked by the pneumonia. Both doctors remarked at the difficulty of diagnosis, because it didn't sound like typical pneumonia sounds.