Stomach flu: Symptoms, duration and most appropriate diet

The stomach flu is often confused with gastroenteritis, which appears by inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus. However, the stomach flu has its peculiarities. Let’s see, what are its symptoms, duration and most appropriate diet to follow.

Stomach flu can affect both adults and children, so you should learn to recognize the symptoms not to be confused with other gastrointestinal complaints. In some parts of the world it would be easy to assume you’ve contracted the coronavirus (MERS), however, once you’ve had the chance to see a doctor, they should be able to let you know fairly quickly if that is the case or not. What to eat, how long the disease will last and what most effective remedies are some of the aspects that will influence the stomach flu.

Stomach flu: Symptoms

When a virus is poured into the body and, in particular, on the gastrointestinal tract, can lead to infection, along with a series of discomforts. The most characteristic symptoms of the stomach flu, which can last from a few days to a few weeks, are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, abdominal pain, and feeling of fatigue, chills, headache and malaise.

Stomach flu: Diagnosis

Stomach flu, in general, have a benign course, i.e., after a few days of discomfort, tends to send without major risks or complications. However, whether you recognize the symptoms as if you only have suspicions, it is advisable to consult a doctor, especially in the case of children. Also, if symptoms persist after several days, it is best to see a doctor who will perform a physical examination to assess the severity of symptoms. In some cases it may be necessary to perform a stool test to identify the organism responsible for the infection.

Stomach flu: Duration and remedies

The duration of stomach flu varies from person to person, even following the same treatment. If a proper diet is followed, as part of the drug treatment prescribed by the doctor, the average disease duration is 5 days. If treatment is interrupted or the right diet is not followed, the symptoms may worsen and prolong recovery. Medications, including antibiotics, can be avoided, unless the doctor prescribed. Primarily they prescribed antivirals, which, if taken at the beginning of the first symptoms, reduce the duration of stomach flu.

Another very important aspect is to care for hydration, since plenty of fluids are lost with stomach flu. It is essential, therefore, to avoid dehydration. It is also good to keep resting.

Also, at the beginning of the symptoms, it is advisable to avoid eating for a couple of hours in a row, to let the stomach free. It is best to opt for foods easier to digest. If you have nausea, best to avoid taking food and opt for infusion – a chamomile, for example – to calm the stomach and then, take something light (a yogurt, for example).

Stomach flu: What to eat

Once vomiting gone, we must eat, but it must be done gradually reintroducing foods. We must begin by a very light and liquid diet, then move to solid foods. It is advisable to eat very light food. They are good, for example, rice, white bread, dough, baked potatoes, and white fish and chicken, very fine. You should avoid, meanwhile, foods high in simple sugars because its may worsen diarrhea due to osmotic effect. Also avoid soft drinks, fruit juices, whole milk, chocolate, caffeine, and fried foods, fatty or spicy foods. Also, do not consume alcohol.