Being stricken with the stomach flu is awful, but dealing with it while you’re on the road can be sheer misery.
Contrary to popular belief, the stomach flu is not the flu, or influenza at all, it’s often caused by a virus such as the norovirus or the rotavirus. The stomach flu is contagious, that’s why it’s important to wash your hands frequently.
While the stomach flu typically has to “run its course,” there are some things you can do to help ease the severity and symptoms.
1. Stay Hydrated-
It’s often hard to stay properly hydrated while suffering the stomach flu, because often what goes in, comes right back out, but doctors recommend you still keep drinking, even it it’s coming right back up. Water is good, but sports drinks, or drinks with electrolytes are best.
Try to avoid milk and drinks with of citric acid. Also, try to avoid caffeine.
Take small sips, don’t gulp.
“Too much of even the right kind of liquid can make vomiting worse, so take it slow at first. Try 1 teaspoon every 4 to 5 minutes,” WebMD recommends.
2. Give Food the Yellow Light-
Nibble on crackers, dry toast or other non-rich foods. Bread, potatoes and bananas are a good start, too. Take it slowly, don’t eat too much at once.
3. Medication- Natural and Pharmaceutical
If vomiting and diarrhea have persisted, doctors can prescribe anti-emetic, such as promethazine, prochlorperazine, or metoclopramide, Health Line reports.
Over-the-counter medicines, including Imodium and Pepto-Bismol may help ease the symptoms.
Other over-the-counter medications that might help include, “meclizine (Antivert), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), demenhydrinate (Dramamine), Emetrol (phosphorylated carbohydrate),” Health Day reports.
Ginger ale and peppermint tea may also help ease quinines.
4. Give Certain Pain Relievers the Red Light-
Avoid prescription pain relievers, and avoid products that contain ibuprofen. Grab the Tylenol instead.
5. Get lots of rest-
The stomach flu can wreck havoc on your body. Get as much rest as you can so that your body can work to fight off the illness.
Sources:
WebMD
Health Day
Health Line