The dreaded stomach flu can make even the toughest among us curl up in bed with a heating pad and a box of Kleenex. The misery is real, but luckily, there are many ways to treat it and return to recovery.
In this blog post, we'll look at why symptoms occur, risk factors to watch out for, common treatments used by doctors and other healthcare professionals, and how you or your loved one can manage their recovery journey.
So if you're suffering from stomach flu-like symptoms (or know someone who is), don't despair — help is here. Read on for everything you need to know about treating the Stomach Flu!
Symptoms of Stomach Flu
The most common stomach flu symptom is abdominal pain, varying from mild to severe. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache, fatigue, and chills.
It's important to note that if you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately — as it could indicate something more serious.
Risk Factors for Stomach Flu
Stomach flu is highly contagious and can easily be spread from person to person through contact with infected saliva, vomit, or feces. It's also possible to contract the virus if you consume contaminated food or drinks.
Other risk factors that may increase your chances of getting stomach flu include age (children are more prone to infection), lifestyle (living in crowded or unsanitary living conditions can increase your risk of infection), and weakened immune systems.
What Causes the Stomach Flu?
A virus causes stomach flu, typically one of the following:
- Noroviruses are the most common cause of stomach flu and can spread quickly through contaminated food or drinks, contact with an infected person, or contact with surfaces exposed to the virus.
- Rotaviruses: This is another common cause of stomach flu that can spread with the same methods as norovirus.
- Other Viruses: Several other viruses, such as adenoviruses and astroviruses, can cause stomach flu.
How Long Does the Virus Usually Lasts
Most cases of stomach flu will last anywhere from 1-10 days, with the most severe symptoms occurring during the first few days.
Symptoms such as fatigue or mild abdominal pain may linger after the virus has passed, but these should subside within a week or two.
Common Treatments for Stomach Flu
Doctors and other healthcare professionals may use one or more of the following treatments to help manage stomach flu symptoms:
- Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): These liquids contain electrolytes, carbohydrates, and minerals to help replace fluids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea.
- Antibiotics: In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed if your doctor suspects you have a bacterial or viral infection.
- Antiemetics: These medications can help reduce nausea and vomiting associated with stomach flu.
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be recommended for abdominal cramps or fever.
Managing Recovery from Stomach Flu
When recovering from the stomach flu, taking care of yourself and focusing on getting plenty of rest is important. Here are a few tips for managing your recovery journey:
- Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to replace any loss due to vomiting or diarrhea — water, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages are all good options.
- Eat Right: Stick with bland foods like toast, crackers, bananas, rice, applesauce, and clear soups. Avoid dairy products or spicy foods until you're feeling better.
- Get Rest: Get plenty of sleep and avoid extra physical activity until you fully recover.
- Monitor Symptoms: If symptoms worsen or persist over a few days, contact
your doctor immediately.
Following these tips and speaking with your doctor or healthcare professional can help ensure a quick and safe recovery from the stomach flu. With the right treatment plan, you'll be back on your feet soon!
How Doctors Diagnose and Treat Stomach Flu
Doctors typically diagnose stomach flu based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Your doctor may also perform tests, such as stool samples or blood tests, to rule out other illnesses.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor may recommend one or more of the abovementioned treatments to help manage your symptoms.
It's important to remember that stomach flu can be highly contagious, so if you have it, practice good hygiene habits and follow all your healthcare provider's instructions.
You should be back on the road to recovery quickly with proper treatment and care!
Different Types of Medication Used to Treat Stomach Flu
Most cases of stomach flu will resolve on their own with no medical intervention needed. However, in some cases, healthcare professionals may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms and shorten the duration of the virus.
These may include over-the-counter pain relievers for fever or abdominal cramps, antiemetics to reduce nausea and vomiting, antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present, and oral rehydration solutions to replace fluids lost due to dehydration.
If you're prescribed any of these medications, follow all instructions given by your doctor carefully — and be sure to contact them if any questions arise.
Preventing Stomach Flu Infection
Good hygiene habits are the best way to protect yourself from stomach flu.
This includes washing your hands often, especially after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, and before you eat or prepare food; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; and not sharing utensils, cups, or towels with others.
Additionally, it's important to cook foods thoroughly and store them properly to avoid contamination.
By following these tips and speaking with your doctor if any symptoms arise, you can help ensure that you stay healthy and free from stomach flu throughout the year!
Home Remedies That May Help Treat Symptoms
Home remedies can be a great way to help manage stomach flu symptoms. Here are a few tips that may help provide some relief:
Drink Plenty of Fluids:
Making sure to stay hydrated is key when dealing with stomach flu. Drinking plenty of fluids, like water, sports drinks, and electrolyte solutions (such as Pedialyte), will help replace any loss due to vomiting or diarrhea.
Additionally, warm beverages such as tea or broth may help soothe an upset stomach.
Get Extra Rest
Getting plenty of rest is important while recovering from the stomach flu. Take time away from work or school for your body to heal properly.
Eat Bland Foods
Sticking with bland foods like toast, crackers, bananas, applesauce, and rice may help ease the symptoms of an upset stomach. Avoiding dairy products or spicy foods until you feel better is also recommended.
Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself while recovering from the stomach flu is important. Do your best to avoid extra physical activity and get plenty of sleep to give your body time to heal.
Additionally, monitor any symptoms that arise — if they worsen or persist for more than a few days, contact your doctor immediately.
Following these tips and speaking with your healthcare provider about any concerns can help ensure a quick and safe recovery from the stomach flu!
FAQs
What are the symptoms of stomach flu?
Stomach flu symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramping, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. People may also experience headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, and dehydration.
What are the risk factors for stomach flu?
Risk factors for developing a stomach flu infection include contact with an infected person or contaminated surface or food source; poor hand hygiene; being in crowded environments; recent international travel; weakened immune system; certain underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and gastrointestinal issues; and age (children are more at risk than adults).
How can I manage my recovery journey?
Recovery from a stomach flu infection usually takes several days to a week or more, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how effectively you can rest and hydrate yourself.
Conclusion
Finding relief from stomach flu can be difficult and uncomfortable, but with the right knowledge and support, it doesn't have to be. Understanding how the virus works, the risk factors, and what treatments are available will help you ensure that you and those around you stay safe!
