Is your stomach upset accompanied by nausea? This could be the 'stomach flu' (Viral Gastroenteritis)

Almost all of us have experienced this at some point in our lives. Suddenly, we feel sick to our stomach, start to vomit, have a stomach ache, and feel weak. This condition, which we usually call a 'stomach ache', can often be medically known as 'viral gastroenteritis' or what we call 'stomach flu'. So let's find out exactly what it is today. Why does it happen, what to do when it happens, and when you should see a doctor.

What exactly is 'Stomach Flu'?

First of all, even though it's called 'flu', it's not actually caused by the influenza virus, which causes the common cold and flu. 'Stomach flu' is just a nickname we've given to this condition.

Simply put, this is when a virus enters our digestive system and infects the stomach and intestines. There are several main types of viruses that can cause this. Examples include Norovirus, Rotavirus, and Adenovirus.

Imagine, when this virus enters the body, our body starts a fight to get rid of this invader. You vomit, your stomach hurts, and you get stomach cramps as a result of that fight. So those symptoms are actually your body's attempt to get rid of the virus.

Although this condition can occur at any time of the year, it is usually more common during the rainy season and winter months. In most cases, it is not a serious condition. Symptoms subside within one to three days. However, the biggest risk here is dehydration , which is a dangerous decrease in the amount of water and salts in the body. This can be especially dangerous for young children and the elderly .

What should we do when we get the stomach flu?

This is because it is a virus, so antibiotics won't help. Antibiotics only work on bacteria. Therefore, there is no specific medicine for this. All we have to do is manage the symptoms and be patient while helping the body win this battle.

Here are some things you can do about it:

1. Drink plenty of fluids.

Vomiting and diarrhea cause the body to lose a large amount of fluid and salts. The most important thing is to prevent this.

• If you are an adult, try to drink at least a glass of liquid every hour.
• For a young child, give one fluid ounce (about 30 ml) every 30 to 60 minutes.
• Don't drink a large amount at once. Doing so may increase vomiting. Drink little by little, in small amounts. If the child drinks a lot at once, give him something like an ice pack.

2. Just drinking water is not enough.

When you lose weight, your body not only loses water, but also electrolytes, which are essential for life. You can't get that back with just water.

• For children: It is best to ask your doctor for an oral rehydration solution like "Jeevani". Brands like Pedialyte and Naturalyte also fall into this category. If your baby is breastfed or formula-fed, continue to give it as usual.
• Adults: Drink fluids such as water, diluted fruit juice (low sugar), porridge, coconut water, and soups. Avoid sugary, carbonated drinks, coffee, tea, and alcohol . These can make diarrhea worse.

3. You don't always have to eat the same boiled food.

The old idea was to eat only liquids for a few days, then eat a BRAT diet of boiled, bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and bread. While this may be helpful for the first few days of illness, it is not a good idea to continue eating only these foods. These foods are low in protein and fat, which the body needs to recover. So, as soon as you feel like eating, you can quickly return to your normal diet . Include potassium-rich foods like potatoes, bananas, savory soups, and yogurt with active bacterial cultures in your diet.

4. Rest is essential

Your body is tired from fighting the illness. So get plenty of rest. Taking a day or two off from work or school to give your body a break will help it recover quickly.

How can you prevent this disease from developing?

This virus is spread through contact with the feces of an infected person. Imagine, someone who is sick touches a wire on the bus without washing their hands properly after going to the toilet, and you touch it and eat with the same hand. If that happens, you can also get the disease. These viruses are very strong. Some strains can live on surfaces like doorknobs and table tops for months.

So, do these things to protect yourself and your family:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water: This is the best and simplest way to protect yourself from this virus. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure to thoroughly clean your palms, between your fingers, and under your nails. Be sure to wash your hands especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after changing your child's diaper.
• Use hand sanitizer: When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer. But remember, sanitizer may not be as effective as hand washing.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces: If someone in your household has the disease, wipe down frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, TV remotes, telephones, and bathroom fixtures with disinfectant.
• Vaccinate your baby: There is now a vaccine to protect children from severe diarrhea caused by rotavirus. This vaccine is given to children as part of our national vaccination program.

What are the best times to see a doctor?

Most people do not need to see a doctor when they get the stomach flu and can recover at home. However, it is important to seek medical advice in the following cases. You should go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately, especially if you have symptoms of dehydration.

Diarrhea, Upset stomach, Vomiting, Stomach flu, Viral Gastroenteritis, Upset stomach, Dehydration, Jeevani