1. Replace Fluids
There are many different causes of gastroenteritis, better known as stomach flu, but all result in the same miserable symptoms: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Aside from trying to rest as comfortably as possible in between trips to the bathroom, it is essential that you treat the stomach flu by replacing the fluids that you are losing. Avoid carbonated or caffeinated beverages and sports drinks. These can contribute to dehydration or exacerbate diarrhea. Fruit juices can also promote diarrhea. It is fine to drink fruit juice, but it should be diluted, one part juice to one part water. Clear broth is fine too. To reduce the likelihood that you will vomit up what you are taking in, take frequent, small sips. You can also try melting ice chips in your mouth to prevent vomiting.
2. Use Oral Rehydration Solutions
Electrolytes, which help maintain proper cellular function in your body, are lost through diarrhea and vomiting. It is important to maintain electrolyte balance during a bout of stomach flu. Commercially prepared oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are available without prescription in pharmacies and even some grocery stores in both powdered and premixed forms to treat possible electrolyte imbalance. It is wise to keep a supply of ORS on hand at all times. You never know when stomach flu will strike. Follow the dosage instructions on the label or contact your doctor for advice.
3. Monitor for Dehydration
Stomach flu in healthy adults rarely results in severe dehydration, but never say never. Infants and children can become severely dehydrated in as few as eight hours. Signs of dehydration include listlessness, dizziness, sunken eyes, chapped or cracked lips, dry mouth and decreased urination. Test for dehydration by pinching the skin on the back of the hand. If it returns to normal once you let go, there is no problem. If the skin remains peaked or pinched, dehydration has set in. Whether adult or a child, if you suspect dehydration contact your doctor immediately, or go to the nearest emergency room if you cannot reach your doctor. IV hydration may be necessary.
4. Treat the Vomiting
If you are suffering from repeated bouts of vomiting, are having little or no diarrhea and have no underlying medical conditions, call your doctor to ask for prochlorperazine. Better known by its trade name Compazine, fast-acting prochlorperazine comes as a suppository and is used to alleviate nausea and vomiting. It is a particular lifesaver if you are an ill caregiver with a houseful of other people who are also sick. You won't be dancing a jig, but you will be back on your feet and able to function much more quickly.
5. Eat a BRAT
No. Not bratwurst. Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast--or BRAT for short. For most people, stomach flu symptoms will eventually subside on their own. That doesn't mean you have the all-clear to gorge on your favorite foods. You need to ease yourself back onto solids, and the BRAT diet is the best way to do that. These simple, mild foods are most likely to be well accepted by your shell-shocked system. Once you are able to tolerate these foods without a return of symptoms, feel free to gradually add more of your everyday solids.
