If you have the stomach flu, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to relieve your symptoms and stop the frequent trips to the bathroom. Although the illness is commonly referred to as "stomach flu," it is a viral illness affecting the stomach and intestines and is not caused by the influenza viruses, according to the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. While viral gastroenteritis will eventually go away on its own, frequent vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. Good self-care measures can help you avoid dehydration.
Step 1
Put away food until your stomach starts to feel settled. Eating food while your stomach is unsettled may cause vomiting and diarrhea. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you stop drinking or eating for a few hours after developing gastroenteritis symptoms.
Step 2
Ease back into eating gradually. The PDR Health website recommends eating bland foods such as toast, bananas, applesauce, clear soups, soda crackers, gelatin, chicken, boiled potatoes or rice. These foods are often easier to tolerate, digest and less likely to irritate your sensitive stomach and intestines.
Step 3
Drink small amounts of clear fluid throughout the day to replace lost fluids. Drinking large amounts of fluids may unsettle your stomach. The Mayo Clinic suggests drinking water, non-caffeinated sports drinks or clear soda. Suck on ice chips if you do not think you can manage drinking a beverage. Avoid drinking beverages that contain high amounts of sugar.
Step 4
Rest and nap whenever you feel tired. After symptoms subside, you may feel tired and weak for a few days as you gradually resume a normal diet and activities, according to the PDR Health website.
Step 5
Talk to your doctor before starting anti-diarrheal medication. Taking anti-diarrheal medications can actually cause the infection to last longer, according to Medline Plus.
Tips and Warnings
- Some people develop a temporary intolerance to milk after having viral gastroenteritis, according to PDR Health. If drinking or eating milk products causes pain or bloating, stop using these products for a few days until your stomach is more settled. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding fatty or spicy foods and caffeine, alcohol and nicotine until your stomach is stable and can tolerate these foods better.
- Dehydration can develop within a few hours if you are vomiting or have diarrhea and can't replace lost fluids fast enough. According to PDR Health, people with mild dehydration may feel thirsty and restless, while more serious dehydration can cause lethargy, fast breathing rate and rapid pulse. If symptoms of mild dehydration worsen, despite an increase in fluid intake, go to an emergency room immediately for treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Bland foods
- Clear fluids
