Flu and vomiting can occur as symptoms of viral gastroenteritis, or stomach flu. Symptoms are nausea, vomiting, fever and watery diarrhea. Stomach flu can be transmitted by a person who has the virus or by contamination of water and food. Individuals can help prevent infection with good hand washing techniques. Infants and older adults suffer more from the flu than others.
Antiemetic
Individuals may buy antiemetics such as bismuth subsalicylate over the counter without a prescription. It works by protecting the lining of the stomach, thus helping decrease the symptoms of nausea and vomiting associated with common flu.
Eating and Drinking
Stopping the ingestion of food products and fluids for a few hours can help the stomach to settle and relax.
Ice Chips
Consuming small chips of ice a little at a time will help the patient regain body fluids. Sipping on water and small amounts of soda also may help. Clear broths, particularly if made with chicken, can help, as can using replenishing sports drinks such as those high in electrolytes. Fluids are the most important part of getting and feeling better when the flu affects the body. Hydration helps the body’s systems to regain strength.
Food Consumption
Slowly reintroduce foods into the diet when symptoms start to abate, because the stomach may still feel unsettled. Eating bland foods will help keep the stomach settled and lower the amount of digestion work it has to perform. Patients can try foods such as dry crackers, jello, rice, chicken broth and bananas. If nausea returns, the person should stop eating and rest.
Types of Foods
Avoiding food high in fat and drinks containing alcohol or caffeine will help to keep the stomach from being irritated in its healing phase. Highly seasoned foods may start the feeling of nausea all over again.
Rest
A person’s body becomes weakened by the virus and needs rest. Feeling tired remains the body’s way of encouraging the rest needed for healing. It may sound simple, but rest can help to rejuvenate the body and fight off the illness.
Medications
While over-the-counter medicines can help make a person suffering from the flu and vomiting feel better, he should use it cautiously. Too much medicine, even OTC drugs, can produce illness as a side effect, particularly if the person takes an overdose.
