The stomach flu is not actually caused by the influenza virus, as the common name might suggest. The correct term for the illness is viral gastroenteritis, and it is a viral infection of the digestive system. Flu-like symptoms such as a fever and muscle aches may accompany the predominant symptoms of the stomach flu, which are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Stomach flu is contagious, therefore limiting exposure from someone who is sick can be the best form of prevention.
Step 1
Wash your hands frequently, especially if you are a caregiver for someone who has the stomach flu. Use an antibacterial gel if soap and water are not available. Reducing the amount of germs that are spread around the home or office can help prevent you from getting the virus.
Step 2
Give each person in the household his own towel, eating utensils and cup if one person in the house is infected. Sharing forks, glasses and foods items with a person who is sick with viral gastroenteritis may cause others to become ill as well.
Step 3
Stay home from work or school if you are immuno-compromised while a breakout of the stomach flu occurs. People who have HIV, are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer or have had organ transplants are among those whose immune systems are vulnerable to germs.
Step 4
Drink water from a clean source that has not been contaminated. Water in developing areas of the world may contain contaminants that could lead to viral gastroenteritis. Drink bottled water if you travel through an area that does not have clean water.
