Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis is an acute reaction of the gastrointestinal tract in response to a bacteria or virus.
- Patients with the stomach flu need to be properly hydrated and should be given electrolytes
- The flu can be caused by either a bacteria or a virus
- The introduction of oral rehydration practices has dramatically reduced the number of deaths from stomach flu worldwide.
What are the Symptoms of Stomach Flu
The most typical symptoms of stomach flu include:
- Painful Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Increased flatulence
- Weakness
- Heartburn
- Malaise
- Dizziness
- Headache
Babies who have diarrhea and are vomiting may show signs of dehydration like dry skin and depressed fontanels. Babies who are sick with the stomach flu need to be taken to the hospital for proper rehydration.
Home Remedies for Stomach Flu
Adults and kids older than five may be managed for the stomach flu at home. Some home remedies include:
- Increased water intake – add an electrolyte solution to the water to help replenish those lost in diarrhea and vomiting.
- Premade electrolyte water or sports drinks may be given.
- Rest
- Warm compresses for the stomach to relieve cramping
- Antipyretic medication may be given to help bring down fever
What to Take for Stomach Flu
- When a person has stomach flu, they need to be kept hydrated with water that has been boosted with electrolytes.
- After the illness is over, patients should be gradually introduced back to solid foods using the BRAT diet or any other bland diet.
Food for Stomach Flu
With an ongoing case of the stomach flu, a person should not put undue stress on the GI tract but still keep nourished and hydrated. The foods recommend in the brat diet are:
- B – Banana
- R – Rice
- A – Applesauce
- T – Toast
These are not difficult to digest and contain vitamins and minerals necessary to the body.
- Bananas are high in potassium, which is lost when a person is having diarrhea or is vomiting a lot
- Applesauce provides additional vitamins and minerals. It also provides pectin
- Rice is an easy to digest carbohydrate that can help the stomach readjust to solid foods
- Toast is dry and it will help prevent vomiting and allow patient to keep the food down with no trouble. The toast can be slathered with a bit of grape jelly, which like the applesauce also has pectin.
This diet and others like it should be maintained until the patient has recovered fully. More substantial meals may be added gradually.