Stomach Flu: Early Signs And Treatment Of Food Poisoning

Signs Of Stomach Flu

Stomach flu is a certain kind of stomach infection that causes inflammation of the lining of the intestines. Stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis is a very common stomach infection; however, it should be treated immediately. The virus that generally causes infection of the intestines and stomach is the rotavirus. The major symptoms of stomach flu are fever, nausea, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea and these symptoms may even last up to three days. If your symptoms carry on for longer than three days and if diarrhea or vomiting is accompanied by bleeding, then contact your doctor immediately. A person can contract stomach flu by consuming food that has been contaminated by the virus through unclean utensils, contaminated water or unhygienic surroundings. It is therefore advisable to practice safe cooking habits and maintain a high level of hygiene while caring for stomach flu at home. Ensure that you wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading the virus. Ensure that you clean all garments and sheets well to avoid contaminating others with the virus.

Treatment For Food Poisoning

Your diet should ideally include bland foods with rice, bananas or dry toast. You should start by drinking plenty of clear liquids to restore the fluids in your body. If your symptoms are really severe, you can try drinking small sips of water or suck on ice chips. Once the symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting stop, and you are able to keep food down, then you can start on rice and dry toast. Ensure that you eat small portions of food but at regular intervals, as this will be easier on your stomach and will solve digestive problems. Ensure that you give your stomach time to recover after a meal. Avoid consuming food that is excessively spicy or oily as this will aggravate your stomach problems. Avoid beverages that have high caffeine content as this only aggravates stomach flu. Reduce your intake of dairy products as this may irritate your stomach and cause discomfort. Avoid consuming alcohol as it is known to aggravate stomach disorders.

Since stomach flu results in diarrhea and vomiting, ensure that you replenish your body with plenty of water and other essential fluids. This is essential while caring for stomach flu at home as it could lead to severe dehydration. One of the simplest ways to treat dehydration caused by stomach flu is to drink oral rehydration fluids at least every two hours. This will ensure that your bodily fluids are replenished.