Stomach flu, commonly known as enteritis, is nothing else than acute gastroenteritis. In general, enteritis is caused by adenoviruses and rotaviruses, and the source of infection through the digestive tract is insufficient hygiene. If we have been in contact with infected people, let’s change clothes to clean ones as soon as possible, because we can also get infected by droplets.
The disease is manifested by abdominal pain co-occurring with diarrhoea. Patients complain of fever up to 39 degrees Celsius, which distinguishes flu from food poisoning, as well as nausea and vomiting. People staying with us are at risk of contracting the stomach flu for up to 7 days after the symptoms disappear. Home remedies combined with symptomatic treatment will bring relief.
Fight the flu
- The stomach flu requires us to rest in bed. This will allow you to regain the strength necessary to deal with the virus.
- Enteritis must be completely cured, otherwise there is a risk of severe bacterial and viral infections.
- In no case should we consume milk, non-carbonated drinks or juices, as these intensify unpleasant symptoms. Tea and still water will be suitable for drinking, as well as preparations from the pharmacy that will replenish the level of electrolytes in our body. We should drink fluids often.
- Chamomile tea fights inflammation and abdominal cramps, black elderberry will relieve fever, an infusion based on blueberry fruit will stop diarrhea, while eyebright herb will strengthen our body. All this will make the stomach flu less troublesome.
- Ventilating the room will inhibit the multiplication of the virus, as will frequent body washing.
- Let’s make sure that the patient’s environment is warm enough, let’s not overheat the apartment, or let it cool down excessively. In this way, we will prevent unpleasant complications.
- It is necessary to strengthen the endothelium of the blood vessels of the mucosa by taking vitamin C, which will protect it equally effectively against the reproduction of the virus, and also strengthen the cell walls and our immunity. Multivitamin supplements are also indicated.
- Let’s support ourselves with probiotic preparations that contain Lactobacillus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii.
- If you are severely dehydrated, you should drink large amounts of water for up to 4 hours, during which you should not eat. After this period, we can go back to eating. It is worth implementing easily digestible, yet full of vitamins, magnesium and potassium bananas in your diet.
- Check your body temperature as often as possible. If symptoms worsen, contact your doctor immediately.