The stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, can be caused by various viruses and is one of the most common illnesses experienced by people around the world. In most cases, it’s a self-limiting illness that is the stomach flu going around, resolves itself without medical treatment. However, there are certain things you should know about the stomach problems to help you recognize the symptoms and manage them appropriately. This blog post will discuss all you need to know about this stomach problem — from causes to prevention and treatment options.
What is stomach flu?
It is also known as viral gastroenteritis. It is a highly contagious infection of the stomach and intestines. One of the most common causes of stomach flu is a virus, such as norovirus or a rotavirus. These viruses can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting, leading to dehydration. The simplest way to prevent it is to take care of good hygiene, such as washing your hands to avoidthat is the stomach flu going around frequently and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. If you do become ill, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Symptoms of stomach flu
Gastroenteritis, is a condition that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Various viruses, bacteria, or other agents can cause this illness. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration.
Causes of stomach flu
Many viruses can cause it, which typically spreads through contaminated food or water due to which is the stomach flu going around. You can become infected if you touch something contaminated with the virus. It is more common in winter, but it can occur anytime. It’s most commonly seen in children, but adults can also get it.
There are a few things that can increase your risk of getting it:
- Eating raw or undercooked meat or poultry
- Eating unpasteurized dairy products
- Drinking contaminated water
- Being in close contact with someone who has stomach flu
Treatment for stomach flu
If you have gastroenteritis, you usually recover within a week without any treatment. However, there are some things you can do to help ease your symptoms and feel better:
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Sip clear or ice-cold drinks. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Drink water, clear broths, or gelatin water. You can also drink fruit juices, but avoid citrus fruits and juices as they can make your symptoms worse.
Eat bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broth, toast, and crackers. Avoid dairy products, spicy foods, fatty foods, and anything hard to digest. Get rest and sleep as much as possible.
Take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief if needed. Avoid aspirin, as it can aggravate your symptoms.
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to help prevent stomach flu:
- Wash your hands regularly and often, especially before eating or handling food.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus.
- Stay home if you are sick.