Nobody likes getting sick, but there is an exceptional dissatisfaction for when the Stomach flu hits. The stomach flu hits hard and delivers is own brutal mix of symptoms, often rendering you nonfunctional and miserable for days. In your misery, you will probably wonder what on earth you can do to feel better, and that’s what we are here to tell you.
What is the Stomach Flu?
What’s often called “stomach flu” is gastroenteritis, an infection of the stomach and intestines. The initial stages start with chills, fever, and nausea, which transition into vomiting, diarrhea, and aches and pains. It’s awful, and there is no cure. Stomach flu has to run its course. The sickness usually passes in about 10 days without medication. The first few days tend to be the worst, but you can take steps to help get through it.
Causes of the Stomach Flu?
Gastroenteritis is usually caused by any number of different viruses that can attack your gastrointestinal system. It’s not caused by the influenza virus, which gives you the seasonal flu. Less often, bacteria can cause it, typically due to contaminated water or food that was prepared inadequately or in an unhygienic environment. The stomach flu is contagious, so contact with someone who has contracted the virus
Recovery
While the stomach flu is definitely not a pleasant experience, most people make a full recovery without any complications. The first few days tend to be the worst, but you can take steps to help get through it:
1. Drink lots of fluids
Fluids are critical since you’re losing vital bodily fluids through sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you are having trouble keeping liquids down, try taking small sips at regular intervals or chewing ice chips. The best fluids to drink are water, broth, over-the-counter preparations, sports drinks, and certain teas. Make sure to avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, strong black tea, and chocolate, and alcohol, as they can worsen your symptoms.
2. Change your diet
Keeping food down can be difficult with the stomach flu. Don’t force yourself to eat if the mere thought of food makes you cringe. When you do finally feel you can get something down, it’s best to start slow and simple. The BRAT diet, standing for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, can be your go-to when it comes to an upset stomach. These foods are easy to digest, contain carbohydrates for energy, and replenish nutrients. Generally, avoid dairy, fibrous foods, and anything fatty or spicy.
3. Get plenty of rest
When you have the stomach flu, your body needs rest in order to fight off the infection. Get plenty of sleep and reduce the amount of activity you normally do during the day. This means lounging on the couch when you’re not in bed. While you’re resting, your body is working hard to fight off the infection and repairing damage on the cellular level.
4. Cool Compress
Cool compress won’t take away your nausea or diarrhea, but if you have a low grade fever and are feeling exhausted, putting a cool, damp cloth on your forehead may help you to feel a little bit better. It’s a perfect addition to resting on the couch or in your bed. How to get rid of the stomach flu naturally means treating yourself to comforting details like this so that the time feeling sick is a little more bearable.
5. Medicate
The stomach flu can’t be cured by medications, and antibiotics won’t help when a virus is the culprit. However; you can take over-the-counter medication to treat some symptoms but do so sparingly. For fever or aches, ibuprofen can help. Acetaminophen is often recommended for the stomach flu, relieving fever and aches and has fewer side effects than ibuprofen. If you are seeking relief from nausea or diarrhea, your doctor may prescribe an antiemetic. You can also try an over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication. Check with your doctor before trying over-the-counter options.
6. Probiotics
Much of the time, viruses or bad bacteria cause stomach flu. Probiotics are great for both? When it comes to how to get rid of the stomach flu, I definitely recommend increasing your intake of probiotic-rich foods and probiotic supplements. Research has shown that probiotics can help diarrhea to stop approximately one-day sooner.
Preventing the Stomach Flu
If you know the stomach flu is going around, take extra precautions. Avoid close contact with infected people if possible and wash your hands frequently. Some basic ways to avoid getting the stomach flu include washing your hands regularly and getting plenty of rest. Additional methods of prevention include:
- Use the dishwasher instead of hand-washing dishes when possible.
- Use soap and water instead of hand sanitizer.
- Keep a sick family member isolated. Try to restrict them to one bathroom, and have the rest of the household use another.
- Wipe off shopping cart handles.
- Clean countertops and surfaces with a disinfectant solution, and be sure to wash clothes and bedding as well.
Fighting the stomach flu can be terrible way to spend your week. Use these tips to help prevent the stomach flu, and treat it if infected. If the virus is too much for you to handle on your own, come into myDoc Urgent Care and we will be able to lend you a helping hand in getting through the week.
