What is stomach flu? How to prevent it and how to protect yourself?

liver doctor

What is stomach flu? How to prevent it and how to protect yourself?

  • September 8, 2021

  • 1971 Views

Stomach flu is also known as viral gastroenteritis which is a common condition and millions of people get affected by it. The problem can lead to several health issues like cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and headache. The treatment is needed on time as it is highly contagious. You need to consult the best gastro doctor on time at the top-rated Liver hospital in Punjab. At our hospital, the experienced gastro doctor in Ludhiana will provide you the best treatment plan for your condition.

What is stomach flu?

If you try to categorize the stomach flu, then you cannot do that in one single disease. The problem occurs when several viruses affect the body like:

  • Noroviruses

  • Rotaviruses

  • Adenoviruses

The digestive tract is affected which can lead to stomach & intestine inflammation. The more severe symptoms which can occur are:

  • Cramps

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

You can have stomach flu at any time of the year but mostly it occurs during the winter and fall. The symptoms of the stomach can last for 1 to 3 days and sometimes it can be more than that. If dehydration is not treated then it can make the condition worse.

How to treat stomach flu?

For Gastroenteritis, there is no such cure and even antibiotics cannot help. The problem will happen due to viruses and not bacteria. In most cases, waiting is the best solution. Although, there are some instances in which you can feel comfortable and complications can be prevented like:

  • Hydrate yourself

Make sure that you increase the fluid intake if you vomit or have diarrhea. For adults, one cup of fluid should be consumed every hour. Children 1 ounce of fluid every 30 to 60 minutes. You need to drink slowly otherwise it can make your vomiting worse.

  • Drink the right options

Water consumption is not enough, as your body needs electrolytes and minerals. You should ask the doctor about which types of oral rehydration solution you need. During this time, you have to avoid the intake of sugary beverages.

  • No need to have bland food

On the first day of stomach flu, it is okay to follow a liquid diet. Following that, once you start feeling normal you have to get back to your normal diet.

  • Make sure your body gets the right amount of nutrients

You need to include potassium, yogurt, and salt in your diet. Make sure that your fat is in a slow amount as it can lower down digestion and even make your diarrhea complicated.

  • Give your body proper rest

You need to give your body enough time to rest.

What are the ways to protect yourself from stomach flu?

  • Make sure that you wash your hands properly

  • You need to use a hand sanitizer

  • You should get your kids vaccinated

  • You need to clean any regularly used surface properly

When do you need to get medical help?

  • Child under the age of 3 has stomach flu

  • You are an adult and your diarrhea has not gotten better even after 2 days

  • Over 3 months olds and vomiting from the last 12 hours or diarrhea from the last 2 days

  • Additional symptoms like blood or high fever