Stomach Bug - What Do I Do?

Every winter it seems as if stomach flu is affecting the U.S. It spreads fast and with the determination to get everyone out of its way. When it touches your home, what should you do? Viruses are highly contagious and can spread quickly, so if you or someone in your home is sick, try isolating them from others. Try to keep them in one room and don't let them roam all over the house, just spreading germs. Also, clean it afterwards, using sprays such as Lysol, cleansing tissues, bleaching plates, and so on. Spare parts, phones, keyboards, furniture, and a regular bathroom, sheets and towels.

If it is really a stomach bug, and there is vomiting, then stop all fluids and food for a while until the vomit slows or stops. Chip chips can be used as soon as the vomiting slows. Liquid chips dilute and absorb most of the oral tissue, allowing some hydration without filling the stomach with fluid to exacerbate vomiting. Liquids such as ginger, clear soda or electrolyte drinks can be added to ice chips for some flavor and add energy. Be careful not to use something as sweet as it may actually upset your stomach.

Other things to try to add fluid to your body are popsicles and gelatin. This is great for kids. There are also popsicles prepared from rehydration fluids, or you can make them at home by freezing the liquid in your home container. If sick people, especially children, do not urinate within six hours, they may experience dehydration and a call to the doctor may help.

The most important thing is to rest. Don't push yourself to get better, too early or do anything heavy off the bat. The virus needs to take its course gradually and then your body will start to heal. Be careful not to use products and medicines too early on in diseases that can prevent viruses from getting out of your system. For example, it may be a good idea to let the diarrhea go away for a while before taking anti-diarrhea. There are also anti-nausea medications that may be used, but again only after symptoms have been present for a while. Your doctor can help you with that. Many say it is best not to take any medication unless there is uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea leading to dehydration.

Once symptoms have stopped the ABC diet or BRAT diet should be followed, even for adults. Because the stomach lining can change with the virus, it is important to relieve regular food intake and not rush. ABC means applesauce, banana and cereals, usually rice cereals. It's all easy on the stomach and digests well. There are also some vitamins and minerals that can be absorbed when eating this food, especially bananas. BRAT is almost like bananas, rice cereals and apples, but also includes toast. Just don't use too much butter on the toast! It's also a good idea to stay away from or limit all dairy and acidic foods for a few days.

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