Surviving the Stomach Flu
Fever. Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhea. If this sounds like you, you could have the stomach flu or gastroenteritis. The stomach flu is the second most common illness in the United States, but isn’t actually associated with influenza at all.
The stomach flu is usually caused by a virus, which means it can’t be treated by medications. Unfortunately, the only thing that will cure the stomach flu is time, but there a few steps you can take to treat the stomach flu and aid the recovery process.
Stomach Flu Treatment: A FastMed Survival Guide
Step 1: Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
When you have the stomach flu, it is important to drink more fluids. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause you to become dehydrated, so making sure you drink enough fluids is an important step in making a quick recovery. If you are unable to handle regular amounts of water, try taking small sips at frequent intervals.
Step 2: Ease back into eating.
During the first day or two of your stomach bug, stick to eating bland foods or the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. However, in order to get the nutrients you need to make a fast recovery, you should return to your normal diet as soon as possible.
Step 3: Avoid food and drinks that could make it worse.
While it is important to stay hydrated and consume plenty of nutrients, there are right and wrong ways to do so. Adults should stick to drinking water, broth, and non-caffeinated sports drinks. Sugary and caffeinated sports drinks can make diarrhea worse and keep you from getting the rest you need to recover.
Step 4: Get plenty of rest.
Rest is an essential part of stomach flu treatment. When you have the stomach flu, rest helps your body fight the virus that causes it. Get plenty of sleep and cut back your normal activity level.
Step 5: Visit FastMed.
If your symptoms aren’t getting better after a few days, or you experience other symptoms like weakness and dizziness, vomiting that lasts more than 8 hours, or a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, it is time to visit your local FastMed Urgent Care. Symptoms such as these could be a sign of a more serious condition.
FastMed has locations right in your neighborhood that provide personalized care from some of the best medical professionals in the business. When it comes to stomach flu treatment, we’ve got you covered!