It can be alarming whenever you see your young children in pain or not feeling well. After all, it is your job as a parent and caregiver to care for them! There are many reasons why your little one might be sick, and one of the reasons is commonly some type of infection.

Anyone can contract a salmonella infection, including children and even young babies. This is happens when eating or drinking something that was contaminated with salmonella bacteria.

If you are worried that your child has contracted a salmonella infection, our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team explains what symptoms to watch for and treatment options below, so read on.

How Did My Child Get Salmonella?

Unfortunately, one of the most common places for salmonella bacteria to exist is in animal feces. This bacteria can infect your child if he or she eats undercooked meat or eggs from an infected animal or eats unwashed fruit and vegetables.

It can also happen if your child drinks contaminated water, although this situation isn’t as common in the United States as it is in other parts of the world. Once infected, your child can start to feel ill in a couple hours, or it may take a day or two to really set in. Typical salmonella infections last up to a week.

Symptoms to Expect in Children

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Nausea
• Headache

How Can I Support My Child’s Recovery From Salmonella?

The good news is that most salmonella infections resolve on their own once the bacteria is expelled from your child’s body. Encourage rest, nourish your child through bland or easily digestible foods and offer water as often as he or she will take it.

Dehydration is one of the most common complications from salmonella infections because of the diarrhea the infection causes, so continue to encourage hydration whenever possible. While you wait, keep a close eye on your child, especially if he or she is an infant or has a compromised immune system. These cases can sometimes become more severe or spread and medical intervention is required.

Signs You Should Bring Your Child to See Us

• Your child has symptoms that last more than a week
• Your child experiences bloody stools
• Your child has high-grade fever of 102 degrees or higher that won’t go away
• Your child is severely dehydrated

Stomach issues can be really frustrating. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne for a diagnosis.