Before we get to the remedy, here’s the reality: There’s no such thing as “stomach flu.”
“‘Stomach flu’ is a misnomer,” says Dr. Cindy Kermott, a Mayo Clinic preventive medicine physician. “It is just a common term for a viral gastroenteritis. And everyone has probably had it — when you have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.”
Dr. Kermott says flu settles in your chest — not your stomach.
“It has to do with the lungs,” explains Dr. Kermott. “You get the dry cough, the fevers, the myalgias, where you feel like a train has hit you. That is influenza.”
So how do you treat what we’ve been calling “stomach flu?”
“For the first few hours, you want to avoid anything by mouth,” advises Dr. Kermott. “You just want to rest and have your stomach settle a little bit.”
After that, Dr. Kermott says it’s vital you keep your body hydrated. Sip on a clear fluid. Water is best, but clear sodas, broths, or weak teas are OK, too. If you can’t tolerate liquids, try chewing on ice chips.
“It’s important to maintain your hydration,” stresses Dr. Kermott.
When your stomach has fully settled, try eating small amounts of easily digestible foods like soda crackers, unbuttered toast, gelatin or a banana. Avoid fatty and spicy foods until you’re fully recovered.
Finally, Dr. Kermott says to keep listening to your body.
“Symptoms exist because it’s telling your body what to do,” she says. “It’s telling you to slow down.”
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
