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I think you’ll agree with me when I say that stomach flu is common. Common as flies on spoiled food - we have all had the displeasure of a bout of stomach flu at some point in our lives. And it's a miserable experience, isn't it?
To prove my point: In the U.S., norovirus causes19-21 million cases of vomiting and diarrhea annually.
In today’s article, I’m going to share with you everything there is to know about stomach flu and a well-known, but apparently, seldom practiced habit on how to avoid the spread of stomach flu.
Here we go!
Formally referred to as viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu can make you feel really miserable and totally bereft of energy. The lack of energy is the hardest symptom for me to deal with. I hate that half-dead feeling that comes with having stomach flu.
Other symptoms include:
These symptoms of stomach flu are caused by gastroenteritis - which is theinflammation of the stomach and intestines. This inflammation is usually an immune system response to a virus. But bacteria, fungi, parasites, and certain chemicals can also cause stomach flu.
The diarrhea and vomiting can lead to a rather dangerous symptom: dehydration. Signs of dehydration are extreme thirst, a dry mouth, and feeling lightheaded.
Sometimes stomach flu only lasts for 24 hours, and from there the moniker "24-hour stomach flu" originated. But in most cases, the condition lasts longer.
Norovirus is the leading cause of stomach flu. Norovirus is extremely contagious. But the route it takes to make people sick is both disgusting and an eye-opener to the general level of personal hygiene among humans.
Fecal-oral transmission refers to the process whereby disease is transmitted via the feces of an infected individual to the mouth of a susceptible individual. Norovirus is typically transmitted via the fecal-oral route - which means the disease is transmitted via the feces of an infected individual to the mouth of the person who becomes ill.
Think about that for a moment: who didn't wash their hands?
Did you know that people infected with norovirusshed billions of virus particles in their stool and vomit? Did you know that the same virus can remain on objects and surfaces for days or even weeks?
Washing your hands every time you go to the toilet is supremely important. Also, when you are in crowded environments, beware of what you've touched, and get to a place where you can wash your hands.
Sounds neurotic? Well, rather neurotic than ill with another person's germs.
Doctors usually diagnose viral stomach flu based on the person's symptoms, a physical exam, and other cases that have shown up in the area. Since stomach flu is easily transmitted, doctors are usually well aware of stomach flu that's doing the rounds.
Doctors also don't usually order any tests to be performed to confirm stomach flu and no specific medicine has been developed to treat the condition.
The incubation period for stomach flu is 12–48 hours and most people recover withina day or three. During the incubation period the person experiences no symptoms, but as soon as symptoms appear the person is contagious.
Symptoms can last up to ten days. Older people may stay ill for longer. Older people tend to have a weaker immune system. They may need more time to recover and may also have a higher risk of complications.
In most people, thevomiting will usually clear up first, but thediarrhea can last longer.
First off, take every precaution not to spread the virus any further. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom. Also, wipe all surfaces with disinfectant.
In most cases, gastroenteritis clears up by itself in a day or two. You can assist the process by taking the following steps.
Having diarrhea and vomiting puts you at risk ofdehydration, which should be avoided. Fluids are vital for bodily function. Keep hydrated by drinking:
Viral gastroenteritis leads to a loss of vital electrolytes which should be replaced. Electrolytes are essential minerals, like sodium, calcium, and potassium that carry an electrical charge and are essential to the proper functioning of the body.
For most people drinking the mentioned fluids will be enough to replace their electrolytes. You can also drink a commercial rehydrate solution ormake your own.
Sleep boosts the immune system, making sleep vital for recovery from infections. During sleep, the immune system releases proteins calledcytokines, among others. When you have an infection or are understress, you need more of these cytokines.
During sleep, the body produces and releases more of these protective cytokines, which help the immune system fight infections and viruses. Conversely, when you don't get enough sleep, the production of cytokines and other helpful immune factors may be reduced.
Additionally, research from Germany shows thatsleep enhances T-cell function, which is essential for targeting and clearing infections.
So, instead of lounging around in front of the TV, try to get some actual sleep.
You can try over-the-counter medicines such asloperamide (Imodium) andbismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate).
Note that these medicines are not suitable for infants and children. Also, don't use these medicines if you have bloody or severe diarrhea or fever. These symptoms are an indication of infections caused by bacteria or parasites and should be treated professionally.
Acupressure is a natural alternative or complementary treatment option for treating many traditional ailments. It involves using your fingers to press on certain pressure points in the body.
Acupressure is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which aims to balance the energy (qi) in the body by interceding pain messages the nerve cells send to the brain.
The acupressure point for the decrease of vomiting and nausea is the pressure point P-6 (known as Neiguan). It is located onthe groove between the two large tendons on the inside of the wrist that starts at the base of the palm.
In case you are wondering about the validity of acupuncture, ameta-analysis of 30 studies found that acupuncture is effective and safe for the treatment of nausea and vomiting.
Many online pundits promote the use of probiotics for the treatment of stomach flu. Probiotics are live microorganisms found in yogurt and other fermented foods, as well as dietary supplements.
While research has shown that probiotics show promise for the treatment of several health conditions, including diarrhea caused by antibiotics, scientists arenot currently unsure if these are helpful in stomach flu.
It’s because we've yet to figure out:
For these reasons, and because the Food and Drug Administration does not evaluate the efficacy of supplements before they are on the market, you shouldn't treat yourself with probiotics. It's better to get your probiotics from your diet rather than a supplement.
Even though research shows that following a restricted diet does not help treat viral gastroenteritis, it makes sense to stick to a bland diet that is easy to digest while you are sick. In addition to drinking plenty of fluids, you can choose food from the following list.
If you are a regular reader of our blogs, you will know that we are proponents of a high-fiber diet. Well, this is one of those few times when enjoying food made from refined carbohydrate sources may be fine for a limited time.
Whereas we normally recommend food made with unrefined wheat flour, rice, barley, and corn, an upset stomach may fare better with:
Animal protein sources, such as meat, fish, eggs, and poultry contain no fiber and, prepared simply, are fine to eat while you are sick, if you feel you can tolerate these foods. Be sure to use lean cuts and boil or bake the meat to keep it simple for your stomach to digest.
Gelatin is also a good source of protein and is easy to digest. You can also eat tofu.
Well-cooked vegetables not too high in fiber are ideal for stomach flu. Consider pumpkin, squash, carrots, baby marrows, butternut, sweet potatoes, and boiled potatoes.
You can make soups with vegetables, which are nourishing, easy to digest, and help to replenish fluids lost through vomiting anddiarrhea.
Canned fruit, sauce, bananas, pawpaw, and melons are good choices.
As long as I can remember, the first thing my mother stopped giving me when I had an upset stomach was milk and cheese. Until recently, I continued this tradition, but since science has not found thata restricted diet doesn't help with stomach problems, I enjoy low-fat milk in my tea during the few incidences of stomach flu I have experienced.
However, some people do have problems digesting the lactose sugar in milk and milk products when they have stomach flu and are advised to avoid dairy for a while.
Where a bland diet is beneficial for stomach flu, the opposite is also true.Avoid the following foods and drinks:
Usually, a high-fiber diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans is healthy. These help keep stools soft and bulky. But in diarrhea, fiber may worsen your situation.
So, until your stomach has not recovered, it's best to stick to a diet of bland foods, including low-fiber refined foods like white bread toast, white rice, and boiled potatoes as these will help your digestive system form more solid stools again.
But it's vital to gradually start adding high-fiber foods to your diet when you are recovered. Fiber is integral to general health, contributing to numerous positive health outcomes, including lower body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. In addition, a higher intake of dietary fiber protects against heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal and breast cancer.
Having stomach flu is miserable but for the most part not serious. Most people fully recover without serious complications or the need for medications. There is no specific medication to treat viral gastroenteritis. The most important thing is to drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated.
Apart from following a bland, low-fiber diet, the only thing to do is rest and wait for it to pass.
If you keep vomiting to such an extent that you can't keep any liquids down, have a high fever, and have blood in your vomit or diarrhea, it's time to seek medical help.