Stomach Flu Remedies

what do i do about stomach flu.
(29 May 2009)

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The stomach flu, as many of us refer to it is not really ‘the flu’ or influenza, but is a viral infection called gastroenteritis. This gastric ailment is highly contagious and is responsible for a large number of diarrhea cases. Watery diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, and abdominal pain are the main symptoms that afflict the infected individual.

There could also be other symptoms like headaches, fever or chills. The symptoms generally appear within four hours to two days of the infection and the illness generally lasts for a day or two, but can also remain for as much as ten days.

The virus can afflict practically anyone, but in most cases recovery is quite fast and there are usually no complications.

The illness can however turn serious when the affected individual can not replenish fluids that are lost because of the prolonged vomiting and diarrhea. This is a cause for worry particularly among the aged, infants, young children and those with weak immune systems. There is no medical cure for gastroenteritis or the stomach flu itself; treatment aims at controlling the symptoms and limiting the effects of the disease. For this reason the most effective and recommended treatments are rest and dietary changes.

Keeping in mind that treatment should aim to minimize the health effects, your main concern should be to deal with dehydration, followed by treatment of the other symptoms.

As this is a gastric ailment it is necessary that you give your gastrointestinal tract a chance to settle down. Do not consume any food for a few hours.

Keep your body well hydrated by stepping up your intake of fluids, mainly water. Sucking on ice chips or clear liquids frequently should help if vomiting is problematic.

Electrolyte solutions are available over the counter in almost all drug stores and come in very handy in these situations. Such oral rehydration solutions are particularly useful in cases of sever fluid loss and lost electrolytes.

Once the vomiting has been brought under control you need to continue sipping on clear drinks and eat foods like warm chicken broth.

As you start to feel better gradually reintroduce a regular diet, starting with bland foods that are easy to digest, such as apples, bananas, pasta or rice. Curd is also a good idea and will soothe your stomach.

Avoid all alcoholic and caffeinated drinks completely until you have recovered completely.

Rest is also essential as the illness leaves you considerably weakened.

Drinks like carrot juice and ginger ale are also useful for treating stomach flu.

answered by S D on 29 May 2009, 12:44:34

Stomach Flu Remedies

what do i do about stomach flu. (29 May 2009)

what do i do about stomach flu.
(29 May 2009)