The stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis causes symptoms like diarrhea, cramps, fever, and more. It can make you feel really sick. But, it usually gets better on its own. There are helpful home remedies to reduce these symptoms faster and help you feel better. This guide will show you how to do it with things like drinking enough fluids, eating the right foods, using probiotics, and more.

What is the Stomach Flu?

The stomach flu is like other flu bugs. It hits your stomach and bowels. This often makes you sick to your stomach. It’s not the same as the flu that gives you a cough and cold.

Viruses are usually to blame for this flu. The most common ones are norovirus, adenovirus, astrovirus, and rotavirus.

Causes and Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

Norovirus is a key cause. It leads to over 21 million stomach flu cases yearly. The sickness starts fast after you catch the virus. You might get diarrhea, feel sick, throw up, have a fever, or suffer stomach pain.

Some bugs from bacteria can also cause it. But these cases are uncommon. Antibiotics don’t help fight off the viruses causing this flu. So, taking care of yourself and using natural ways to feel better is best.

 

Remember, the stomach flu isn’t the same as the flu we usually think of. They both make you feel awful. But, the stomach flu hits your tummy, not your lungs.

Home Remedies for Stomach Flu

Getting the stomach flu can be tough. But, there are many home remedies to ease your symptoms. These can help you feel better faster.

Rest and Rehydration

Resting and drinking lots of fluids are key. The stomach flu can make you weak. Sip on water, clear broth, or sports drinks.

These drinks can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes from vomiting and diarrhea.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Medicines like Imodium and Pepto-Bismol help with diarrhea and nausea. They ease symptoms and lessen how long they last.

Probiotics and Supplements

Probiotics with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium might help. They could make stomach flu and diarrhea shorter. Zinc can also lessen the flu’s severity and length.

Acupressure for Nausea Relief

Pressing on the Neiguan point in your wrist can stop nausea and vomiting. This method is easy and doesn’t use drugs.

These home remedies and self-care steps can help fight the stomach flu. Remember to drink fluids, rest a lot, and see a doctor if you get worse.

 

The BRAT Diet

The BRAT diet is helpful when you have the stomach flu. It stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods can calm your stomach and make your stools more solid.

These foods are gentle on your tummy. They are good for you during the first couple of days of being sick. Then you can start eating other foods again slowly.

The BRAT diet helps with the stomach flu because:

  • Bananas can make your stool firmer. They help stop diarrhea. Bananas also give you potassium, which your body may need more of when you’re sick.
  • Rice is good for you, especially in simple rice soup. It helps stop stomach problems. Rice drinks can stop diarrhea in kids very well.
  • Applesauce is easy to eat and good for the stomach. It gives you some of the vitamins you need when you’re unwell.
  • Toast, made from white bread, is another easy option. It’s starchy and can calm your stomach.

The BRAT diet is good to start with. But, don’t only eat these foods for too long. After a couple of days, you can start eating more things. Start with easy-to-digest foods. This will help you get back your energy and not miss out on important vitamins.

BRAT diet foods

Listen to your body when you’re recovering from the stomach flu. The BRAT diet is a good start. Always drink enough water, rest a lot, and reach out to a doctor if you’re not getting better.

Foods to Avoid During Stomach Flu

When you have the stomach flu, watch what you eat and drink. Some things can make you feel worse. By avoiding these foods, you can speed up your recovery.

Fatty, Spicy, and Sugary Foods to Avoid

Avoid fatty, spicy, and sugary foods. They are hard for your stomach to handle. This makes you feel more uncomfortable and recover slower. Don’t eat things like fried foods, fast food, and creamy dishes.

Beverages to Limit or Avoid

Be careful with the drinks you have too. Stay away from coffee, soda, and high-sugar juices. Also, don’t drink alcohol. These can make you more dehydrated and your symptoms worse. Instead, drink water, drinks with electrolytes, or herbal teas.

Beverages to Limit with Stomach Flu

During the stomach flu, let your stomach rest. Avoid some foods and drinks to help your body heal. Your body will thank you.

Home remedies for stomach flu

Having the stomach flu can be tough, but you can find relief at home. Some solutions from your kitchen can make you feel better. No need for many pills!

Sipping herbal teas is a great start. Peppermint tea stops you from feeling like you’ll throw up. Ginger tea is super for lessening throwing up, especially in kids.

Apple cider vinegar is another good option. It can fight the bad bugs making you sick. Mix a bit with water and drink slowly.

  • Peppermint tea can help with nausea and discomfort
  • Ginger tea may reduce vomiting, especially in children
  • Apple cider vinegar may help neutralize pathogens

Spices like cinnamon and turmeric might also help. They work against swelling and digestion troubles. But, always check with your doctor before you try new things. Some might not be good if you’re taking medicine.

home remedies for stomach flu

To feel better, rest a lot and drink water. Keeping fluid in your body stops you from getting dried out. These easy at-home ideas support your healing and cut down on feeling sick.

Preventing the Spread of Stomach Flu

The stomach flu spreads easily from person to person. It’s very catchy. Good hygiene helps stop its spread. This means washing your hands a lot and other easy steps.

Proper Handwashing

Wash your hands a lot to keep the stomach flu away. Use soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Do this after using the bathroom and before eating. And don’t forget, do this if you were taking care of someone sick. If you can’t use soap, hand sanitizers with alcohol work too.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces

The virus of stomach flu can live on things for a long time. It can be days or even weeks. Clean and disinfect stuff everyone touches. This includes doorknobs and countertops. Use a bleach solution. Mix 5-25 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water.

Washing Laundry Properly

Wash sick person’s clothes the right way. Use a pre-wash with 1/2 cup of bleach. Or, use an oxygen detergent. Then do a regular wash. Make sure this is on the hottest setting. Doing this right removes the flu and its germs.

Avoiding Contamination

Sick people should not make food or share it for two days after getting well. This keeps others safe from getting the flu through food. It’s also good not to get too close to sick people until they are all better.

These steps are simple but they really work. They stop the stomach flu from making you and your family sick. So, remember to wash your hands, clean things often, and do laundry right.

how to prevent stomach flu

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most stomach flu cases go away within a few days. But sometimes, you need to see a doctor. It’s key to know the signs that mean you need medical help. And about the signs that say you might be dehydrated from the flu.

Signs of Dehydration

Dehydration is a big issue with the stomach flu. It’s even worse for infants, kids, seniors, and those with weak immunity. Look out for these signs of dehydration:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Decreased urination or dark-colored urine
  • Dry mouth and tongue
  • Sunken eyes
  • Lethargy or fatigue

If you see these signs in someone, get them to a doctor quick. This can help avoid more problems.

Big symptoms mean it’s time for a doctor too. Things like:

  1. Black or bloody stool
  2. Frequent vomiting that stops you from drinking enough
  3. High fever
  4. Severe abdominal pain

These signs might show something serious. You need medical help right away for them.

Recovering from Stomach Flu

Getting over the stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, takes time. Most times, it ends within 1-2 days without needing a doctor. Still, it’s important to rest a lot to let your body heal.

Drink lots of fluids and start eating light foods again. Stay away from things that make you feel worse, like greasy or spicy foods. You shouldn’t take certain drugs for stomach problems if you have a fever or bad diarrhea. For these, a doctor should help you.

Here are tips to help you feel better after the stomach flu:

  • Rest a ton to get better faster.
  • Drink plenty of water, soup, or drinks that have lots of vitamins in them.
  • Start with easy foods, like bananas or toast, until you feel stronger.
  • Don’t eat dairy, caffeine, or alcohol because they might make you feel worse.
  • If you feel very sick, a bit of medicine might help, but don’t take too much.
  • Try moving gently or doing light exercise to get fit again, but be careful not to push too hard.

Getting well from the stomach flu means being patient and looking after yourself. Keep drinking and eating well as you get stronger. If you still feel really sick, ask a doctor for help.

Stomach Flu in Children

The stomach flu can worry parents of infants and young kids more. This is because babies and toddlers can get dehydrated quickly. It’s very important to give kids enough fluids and electrolytes. Often, doctors suggest using a special drink called Pedialyte for this.

Rehydration for Infants and Children

For stomach flu in kids, getting fluids back is crucial. The stomach flu in children under 5 years, caused by norovirus, is common. It affects up to 21 million annually in the U.S. and causes about a million doctor visits.

Most kids get better from the stomach flu in 24 to 48 hours. But, some can feel bad for up to 10 days. The key is to drink a lot. Offer them a small amount of fluid often. Pedialyte is a good choice for this.

Continue breastfeeding when possible. After they start feeling better, kids can slowly eat their usual food. Avoid snacks that are too sweet or too greasy. Also, don’t give kids drugs for stopping diarrhea without asking a doctor first.

Virus germs can live on surfaces for a whole day. So, keeping things clean is very important. This helps stop the stomach flu in kids from spreading.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Diagnosing the stomach flu is often easy. Doctors look for symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

They also consider if other people in the area have it. They might test your stool if they need to know the exact virus. But some viruses can’t be tested for this way.

The stomach flu can’t be cured with medicine. This is because antibiotics don’t work against the viruses.

The focus is on making you feel better. This includes drinking enough, popping over-the-counter pills, and feeling crummy from bed.

Rehydration and Symptom Management

It’s crucial to stay hydrated with the stomach flu. Drink lots of water or Gatorade. For little ones, Pedialyte is a great help.

You might try meds to stop the ick up or down. But only if you really need them.

When to Seek Medical Attention

The stomach flu usually goes away on its own. Sometimes, it takes up to a week.

If you’re super dizzy, can’t keep anything in, too hot, or just feel off, get help. A doctor might give you special water through a tube if you’re that sick.

Remember to drink, sleep, and hope for the best. If you play it smart and know when to see a doc, you’ll most likely shake it off soon.

Self-Care Tips for Stomach Flu

Dealing with the stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, is tough. But you can do things to feel better. Taking care of yourself is key. Try these tips to help you through this common virus:

  1. Rest and Recuperate: Resting is really important now. It lets your body fight the virus better. So, nap and sleep a lot.
  2. Stay Hydrated: It’s easy to get dehydrated with the stomach flu. Drink lots of clear fluids. Water, broth, or sports drinks are good choices.
  3. Manage Discomfort: Over-the-counter pain meds can reduce fevers and help with aches. acetaminophen can make you feel better.
  4. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: Skip coffee and alcohol for now. They can make dehydration worse and upset your stomach.
  5. Probiotics and Supplements: Try adding probiotics and some supplements to your diet. They can help calm your stomach and ease discomfort.
  6. Practice Good Hygiene: Keep your hands clean. This helps stop spreading the virus. Always wash before eating or preparing food.

Keep an eye on how you’re feeling. If things get worse or don’t get better in a few days, see a doctor. These tips will help ease your stomach flu and help you heal faster.

Conclusion

The stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, spreads easily and is quite common. You can manage it at home with home remedies and natural treatments. You should drink lots of fluids, eat simple food, and take some medicines if needed. Also, things like probiotics and pressing certain points on the body can help. In about 1 to 2 days, you should feel better.

If you feel really bad or the sickness lasts too long, go see a doctor. This is especially true for little kids or older folks. They might get dehydrated fast, and that can be very dangerous.

To make yourself feel better, follow the tips we talked about. But remember, it’s better if you don’t get sick at all. Wash your hands all the time, try not to be close to sick people, and watch what you eat or drink. This helps keep the stomach flu away from you.

FAQ

What is the stomach flu and what are its symptoms?

The stomach flu is also called viral gastroenteritis. It’s very catchy and leads to issues like diarrhea and cramps. You might also feel feverish, sick to your stomach, and you could throw up. Symptoms often include: diarrhea, feeling like you might throw up, actually throwing up, having a fever, headache, and muscle pains. Your stomach might also hurt and feel crampy.

What are the common causes of the stomach flu?

Some common viruses that can give you the stomach flu are norovirus, adenovirus, astrovirus, and rotavirus. But, the stomach flu is different from the flu that affects your breathing.

What home remedies can help relieve stomach flu symptoms?

You can rest more and drink plenty of water. Plus, use things you can buy without a prescription like Imodium and Pepto-Bismol. Try eating foods with good bacteria, or probiotics, in them. You can also try pressing on a point on your wrist called the Neiguan acupressure point.

What is the BRAT diet and how can it help with the stomach flu?

The BRAT diet stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It’s a good diet when you’re getting over the stomach flu. These foods are gentle on your stomach and can help make loose stools more solid.

What foods and drinks should be avoided during the stomach flu?

Stay away from greasy, hot, sweet, dairy, boozy, and caffeine-filled foods. Also, don’t eat lots of fiber. These things can make your belly feel worse. And, don’t eat too many tomatoes or citrus fruits because they’re very acidic.

What other natural treatments can help with the stomach flu?

Try drinking teas made from peppermint or ginger. Some people find relief in apple cider vinegar. And spices like cinnamon and turmeric might also make you feel better. They can help with stomach aches and might calm things down.

How can the spread of the stomach flu be prevented?

Washing your hands often and keeping things clean is key. Cook food safely too. If you have the stomach flu, don’t make or share food with others for at least two days after you start feeling better.

When should someone seek medical attention for the stomach flu?

Get help if you: see black or bloody stool, throw up a lot, have a high fever, feel really bad in your stomach, or aren’t drinking enough. Babies, kids, older folks, and those with weaker immune systems are at a higher risk. They should see a doctor if they have stomach flu signs.

How long does it typically take to recover from the stomach flu?

You might feel better in 1 to 2 days. But, it’s important to rest and drink plenty of water. Start eating regular foods slowly, stay on a plain diet at first. Avoid things that make you feel worse.

How is the stomach flu treated in children?

In kids, it’s vital to replace lost water and salts. A doctor might say to give them Pedialyte. Breast milk is still good. When they’re drinking enough and not throwing up, slowly give them regular food. Stay away from sugary and fatty foods. Don’t use anti-diarrheal drugs without a doctor’s okay.

How is the stomach flu diagnosed and treated by healthcare providers?

Usually, doctors can tell what you have by your symptoms and if others are sick too. There’s a test on your poop to find out which virus it is. But, not for every kind. There’s no special medicine. Stay at home, drink a lot, and maybe take over-the-counter drugs to feel better.

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