The stomach flu has nothing to do with either the stomach or influenza. Each year, doctors diagnose millions of patients experiencing stomach aches, diarrhea, vomiting, fever and headache with viral gastroenteritis. Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness in the United States, according to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse.
Focus
Viral gastroenteritis damages the cells lining the small intestine, causing fluid to seep from the cells into the intestine and resulting in watery diarrhea. Noroviruses cause vomiting. Gastroenteritis caused by rotaviruses may result in fever. These symptoms can cause dehydration, a serious and potentially deadly medical condition. Consuming the wrong food can worsen abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Furthermore, a person suffering from a lengthy battle with a stomach virus can suffer nutritional deficits. Dietary treatment for these stomach viruses should focus on avoiding dehydration, relieving symptoms and providing nutrition necessary for healing.
Sips and Chips
Do not eat or drink anything for several hours after the onset of symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. This will allow your body to rest and heal. Eating or drinking too soon may cause more bouts of vomiting or diarrhea. Start with a teaspoon of ice chips or one sip of water. Wait a few minutes to determine if your body is ready to take fluids before attempting another spoonful of chips or sip of water. Fluid replacement is vital -- be sure to continue drinking plenty of water once your body is ready.
Progression
Begin with a clear liquid diet, drinking only fluids that are transparent at room temperature, like gelatin, fruit ice or broth. You may have coffee, tea, strained fruit juices, popsicles and even clear, hard candy. Electrolyte replacement drinks are available for children. Adults may drink sports drinks to replace lost electrolytes due to dehydration. Progress to full liquids as you can tolerate them, consuming only foods that are opaque fluids at room temperature, like ice cream, pudding and vegetable juices. A person who is lactose intolerant should take special care to avoid dairy products like ice cream. Introduce soft and bland foods into the diet as soon as possible. MayoClinic.com suggests bananas, toast and potatoes. Avoid spicy foods and continue focusing on fluid replacement.
Special Considerations
Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious and can easily spread to caregivers preparing, delivering and cleaning up after meals. Additionally, the illness compromises the patient's immune system, increasing his risk for contracting other viruses. Caretakers should wash their hands before preparing and delivering food. The patient should wash his hands before eating. Wash utensils and throw away uneaten food. Never share food or utensils with a person suffering from a stomach virus.
