The stomach flu is known to cause a variety of symptoms. Once the condition manifests, it can cause discomfort.
The initial phase starts with fever, chills and nausea which later progresses to diarrhea, vomiting and severe aches. Remember that stomach flu does not have a cure and simply allowed to run its course.
Commonly used remedies for the stomach flu
Increased intake of fluids
Fluids are essential since it is lost via vomiting, sweating and diarrhea. If the individual has difficulty holding down liquids, take small sips at regular intervals or suck on ice chips. The recommended fluids include water, broth, sports drinks, over-the-counter preparations such as Pedialyte or teas such as peppermint or ginger.
BRAT diet
Once the individual can hold down something, it is best to start with a BRAT diet. The BRAT diet (banana, rice, applesauce and toast). These foods are easy to digest and contain carbohydrates for energy and restoring the lost nutrients.
Adequate rest
If an individual is struck by stomach flu, the body should rest to fight off the infection. The individual should rest and limit the amount of activity normally done during the day.
What are the causes?
The stomach flu is typically brought about by various viruses that attack the GI tract. In uncommon cases, bacteria are responsible for the condition, usually due to contaminated food or water or by preparing in an unhygienic environment.
Prevention
If there are reported cases of the stomach flu, it is vital to take the necessary precautions. Avoid exposure to sick individuals and regularly wash hands.
Some of the basic measures to avoid the stomach flu is regular washing of hands and adequate rest. Other additional measures of prevention include:
- Utilize soap and water instead of a hand sanitizer
- When using shopping carts, wipe off the handles.
- Use a dishwasher instead of hand washing the dishes if possible
- Sick family members must be isolated.
- Surfaces and countertops should be cleansed using a disinfectant solution