Can a kid get heat exhaustion the next day? Or do they have a flu or virus?

Question

My nephews and niece went camping with me (their aunt) and my parents/their grandparents yesterday. It was very hot out (about 30 degrees Celsius). They ran around all day and went swimming for a few hours, but we made them wear swimming T-shirts and hats and they were drinking water. They seemed fine yesterday, but my niece (2 years old) complained of cramps in her legs before she went to bed. Early in the morning she woke up crying of a stomach ache. Then in the morning, my oldest nephew (8 years old) said he had a sore throat and he was very tired and listless. My niece and nephew have slept most of the day today, and my niece is hot to the touch and continues to complain of a stomach ache. Neither of them have thrown up and they both still have appetites. We're now in an air-conditioned house and they are drinking water and resting, but they don't seem much better this evening than they were this morning. My other nephew (6 years old) is fine.

So, my questions are: Can kids get heat exhaustion the day after being out in the sun? Or does this sound more like they have a flu or a virus? 

All the symptoms are so similar!

Medicine Woman · Accepted Answer

The symptoms are not the same, the kids have the flu. It will probably last 24 hours and another 24 hours for them to get their energy back to normal. There is no doubt when it is heat exhaustion and it will not come on the day after, it would have come on that day. There is a flu going around lasting 24 hours, give them plenty to drink. Ginger-ale is good, the ginger in it naturally soothes the stomach and saltine crackers to nibble on. Nothing with fat in it (like campbell's chicken noodle soup) until they feel better.

? · Answer

I have never heard of anyone having heat sickness the next day, but heat can really wear a person out. I would have a doctor look at them now. Could have been something in the water. There are all kinds of bacteria in water. They have closed certain rivers and dams around here this summer because the bacteria levels were too high.

EdNmE · Answer

Poor kiddos. :(

Unfortunately the symptoms are similiar, but
it is possible to feel the effects of heat 
exhaustion the next day or for several
days. 

Keep the kids indoors in the A/C, with plenty
of rest and fluids. If the symptoms were to
continue or become worse, call the Dr.
or take them to the ER for treatment. 

Hopefully one good day of rest and relaxation
will cure them. 

Good luck and hope they feel better.

Jack · Answer

Only a doctor's examination can tell for sure.

Heat illness can manifest the next day.  It is not likely, but it is also not impossible.

It is more likely the flu or a related illness.

Then again, heat illness is not impossible.  It is just unlikely.

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Can a kid get heat exhaustion the next day? Or do they have a flu or virus?

4 Answers