Stomach Flu Treatment

Signs and symptoms of the stomach flu include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, muscle aches, low grade fever and chills.

If you realize that you have the stomach flu then the first thing you must do is to rest the stomach and intestines. How do you do that? Well you stop eating solids and start drinking only clear liquids. As you improve you can begin to slowly add back in solid foods by starting with soft and bland foods since they are much easier for your GI system to digest.

If you have been vomiting a lot, then it is best to take in only small, frequent sips of liquids. Vomiting may return if you drink too much at one time.

It is important to take in fluids. Water is ok if you haven't been vomiting for a long time but if you have been throwing up for some time then your body will need the electrolytes you've lost replaced in order to prevent complications. The depleted electrolytes are easily replaced with sports drinks such as Gatorade or Power Ade.

Some people find that weak tea and apple juice are good choices that will stay down. Again, remember to drink in small sips. Chilling the liquids you plan to drink may help you keep them down. Do not drink acidic drinks such as orange juice or caffeinated drinks like coffee. You may drink soft drinks without caffeine such as 7-UP but only after you have let them go flat and they have lost all carbonation. Another big thing to remember is absolutely no milk until you no longer have diarrhea.

Once you have been free from vomiting for several hours and you are managing to hold down clear liquids then you can start to add in soft and bland food. Soda crackers, bananas, gelatin, plain noodles, toast, and applesauce, and are good items to start off with. Stay away from foods that are fatty, spicy, acidic, or are high in fiber. You should also stay away from dairy products. It is ok to add them back into your diet after 3 or 4 days have passed and you no longer have any signs of the stomach flu.

Remember if you have been vomiting for more than a day or have had diarrhea for over 3 days, the check with your health care provider. You may need further tests to rule out dehydration or a more serious illness.

Dehydration is a potentially serious complication of stomach flu and is a serious problem for infants, children and seniors. Dehydration occurs when your body has lost too much fluid which occurs rather easily with the diarrhea and vomiting of the stomach flu. Severe dehydration requires intervention and your healthcare provider may order intravenous fluids in order to replace the fluids you have lost.