Stomach bug – what should I do?

Every winter it seems like the stomach flu hits the US It spreads fast and determined to wipe out everyone in its path. When it comes to your house, what should you do? Viruses are very contagious and can spread quickly, so if you or someone in your household is sick, try to isolate them from other people. Try to keep them in one room and don’t let them roam the whole house, just spreading germs. Also, clean them constantly, using sprays like Lysol, cleaning wipes, dish bleach, etc. Clean controls, telephones, keyboards, furniture, as well as the usual bathrooms, sheets and towels.

If it really is a stomach virus and there is vomiting, stop all liquids and food for a while until the vomiting lessens or stops. Ice chips can be used once vomiting has subsided. Ice chips melt and are absorbed primarily into the tissues of the mouth, allowing for some hydration without filling the stomach with fluid that further aggravates vomiting. A liquid such as ginger ale, clear soda, or even an electrolyte drink can be added to the ice chips for a little extra flavor and energy. Be careful not to use very sugary drinks, as that can upset your stomach again.

Other things to try to replenish fluids in your body are popsicles and gelatin. These are good especially for children. There are even popsicles available that are made from rehydration fluids, or you can make your own at home by freezing the liquid in a container at home. If the person who is sick, especially a child, has not urinated in six hours, they may be dehydrated and a call to the doctor may be helpful.

The most important thing is rest. Don’t push yourself to improve, do too much too soon, or do anything strenuous early on. The virus will need to run its course to a certain point and then your body will begin to recover. Be careful not to use products and medications too early in the illness that could prevent the virus from getting out of your system. For example, it may be a good idea to let diarrhea pass for a while before taking antidiarrheal medicine. Additionally, there are anti-nausea medications that can be used, but again, only after symptoms have been present for a while. Your doctor can help you with that. Many say that it is better not to take any medication at all unless there is uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea leading to dehydration.

Once symptoms have subsided, an ABC diet or BRAT diet should be followed, even for adults. Since the stomach lining can change with a virus, it’s important to go back to eating regular foods and not rush. ABC stands for applesauce, bananas, and cereal, usually rice cereal. All of these are easy on the stomach and digest well. There are also some vitamins and minerals that can be absorbed by eating these foods, especially bananas. BRAT is pretty much the same thing that includes bananas, rice cereal, and applesauce, but it also includes toast. Just don’t use a lot of butter on that toast! It’s also a good idea to stay away from or limit all dairy and acid products for a few days.