In general, eating ice cream after your symptoms from influenza, commonly called "flu," have subsided should not upset your stomach. If you have certain medical conditions, such as lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, ice cream may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Influenza is commonly confused with viral gastroenteritis, also called "stomach flu." If you’re getting over the stomach flu, you should avoid ice cream until your doctor confirms you can return to your regular eating habits.
Influenza vs. Stomach Flu
Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus, with mainly affects your throat, lungs and nose and may be life-threatening if not treated properly, according to MayoClinic.com. Influenza may also cause digestive problems and most commonly affects the elderly, young children, people with chronic illness, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women. The stomach flu is not the result of the influenza virus, but is rather a viral infection of the lining of the digestive system. This condition causes excessive vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, fever and body chills. The stomach flu is primarily treated with a bland diet, rest and increased fluid intake. Both conditions may require avoidance of ice cream.
Eating Ice Cream
Ice cream is high in fat, which can make it difficult to digest if you have either the flu or the stomach flu. Brown University Health Services recommends avoiding all dairy, including ice cream, while you have influenza or viral gastroenteritis. If you’re feeling physically better, but you still have minor digestive symptoms, continue to avoid eating ice cream. Your doctor will provide you with an evaluation after your symptoms subside and confirm whether or not you should consume ice cream. Eating ice cream too early may lead to diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, which can prolong your symptoms.
Milk-Related Considerations
Even if your digestive system is completely healed after having influenza or the stomach flu, ice cream may still cause unwanted symptoms if you have underlying conditions. Ice cream contains lactose, a sugar found in milk that many people have difficulty digesting. If you’re lactose intolerant you will develop bloating, gas and diarrhea within a few minutes of eating ice cream. If you’re allergic to dairy, you need to avoid eating ice cream altogether. A milk allergy can cause a wide range of symptoms that can affect your digestive system, respiratory system, skin and cardiovascular system.
Dietary Considerations
Until your symptoms from flu or stomach flu completely subside, Virginia Tech's Schiffert Health Center recommends avoiding fried foods, foods that are high in fiber, dairy products, spicy foods and foods that contain a lot of sugar. Ice cream is high in fat and is made primarily from dairy. Eat foods that are bland, such as toast, crackers, bananas, gelatin, white rice and apple sauce.
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