Ketogenic Diet: Sick Day Guidelines

When your child is sick, they may not feel like eating or may be unable to tolerate their tube feeding. This can make it hard to stick to the diet.

The main goals during times of illness are to treat your child's symptoms (such as fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea), make them comfortable, and prevent complications.

• Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen (commonly known as Tylenol or Advil) by mouth or by suppository for fever and discomfort. Make sure to follow the dosing guidelines carefully.
• If your child needs a new antibiotic or other new medication, make sure it's in tablet or capsule form (not in liquid or chewable form).

Vomiting, Diarrhea, Feeding Intolerance

• Do not restrict fluids. It's important to prevent dehydration when your child is sick.
• Try to meet the fluids goal recommended by your child's dietitian.
• Offer your child sugar-free clear liquids as often as tolerated.
  • By mouth options:
    • Gatorade Zero
    • Pedialyte Zero Sugar
    • Water
  • Tube feeding options:
    • Water
    • Pedialyte Zero Sugar
• When your child can keep down liquids (without vomiting) and wants to eat, try giving small, easy to digest meals and snacks from the current list of approved menus for the ketogenic diet. If your child is tube-fed, when you restart their feedings, begin with half-strength formula.

Call Telehealth Nursing at 651-229-3890 if:

• Your child has been vomiting for more than 24 hours
• Your child is excessively tired
• Your child is acting differently from what is usual for them
• You have any concerns about their illness or symptoms