A stomach virus is a virus that affected the stomach or small intestine of an individual that is infected, at times it may not be called stomach virus instead it is called stomach flu. Whether stomach virus of stomach flu, they are all the same. Stomach virus doesn’t stay for too long in an individual, it can last for between 1 to 3days, and however, it may take up to 1 or 2weeks before your bowel to normal, consult your medical provider for more quick recovery. Anybody can be infected although infants and children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems may have a more severe form of the infection.
Regardless of the inaccuracies of the terms “stomach flu” and “stomach virus,” these are the most commonly used terms to describe what healthcare providers call viral gastroenteritis.
Mode of Transmission of Stomach Virus
A stomach virus is transmitted through swallowing of some certain virus; people that are infected also spread it through contact with an uninfected person, secretions, handshake, kissing, sharing food & drink or eating utensil are also means by which it is transmitted from infected person to a non-infected individual
Stomach virus affects stomach and intestine and gets them inflamed, because of this they cannot perform their usual function in the body system until when recovered. The virus causes food to be unsettled in the stomach and thus there will be some sort of bowel movement which makes an infected person uncomfortable.
Symptoms Associated With Stomach Virus
Symptoms of these infections include vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes body aches, Fatigue, Chills, Loss of appetite, Nausea, Vomiting, Stomach cramps, Diarrhea (liquid stools), Low-grade fever, and muscle aches.
Do Not Take any of This Food If You’re Infected
- Do not take alcohol
- Do not take caffeinated beverages because they dehydrate your body
- Do not take dried peas or beans
- Do not take milk or milk products (cheese, yogurt, ice cream, or creamed soups)
- Do not take nuts, seeds, coconut, popcorn
- Do not take raw or dried vegetables or fruits (except bananas)
- Do not take spicy or fried foods
- Do not take whole grain bread, cereals, or bran.
Treatment For Stomach Virus
The most important thing to do is to rest the stomach and intestines. You can do this by first eating nothing and drinking only clear liquids. A little later you can eat soft bland foods that are easy to digest. Give your stomach rest from liquids for 2 hours after vomiting. You may suck on hard candy, a Popsicle or ice chips after 2 hours. Then take small, frequent sips of liquids every 10 to 15 minutes.
Drinking too much at once, even an ounce or two may cause more vomiting. Your choice of liquids is important. If water is the only liquid you can drink without vomiting, that is okay. However, if you have been vomiting frequently for a long time, you must replace the minerals, sodium, and potassium, that are lost when you vomit. Ask your medical provider what sports drinks or medical products could help you replace these minerals. Other clear liquids you can drink are weak tea, bouillon and apple juice. You may also drink soft drinks without caffeine (such as 7up) after letting them lose some of their carbonation – go flat. Chilling the liquids may help you keep them down. Avoid liquids that are acidic (such as orange juice) or caffeinated (such as coffee) or have a lot of carbonation. Do not drink milk until you no longer have diarrhea.
Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin as these may make your symptoms worse if taken on an empty stomach. If you have a fever, take 2 regular strength (325 mg each) acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4 hours.
You may start eating bland foods when you have not vomited for several hours and are able to drink clear liquids without further upset. Soda crackers, toast, noodles, applesauce, and bananas are good first choices. Avoid foods that are acidic, spicy, fatty, or fibrous (meats, coarse grains, vegetables) and dairy products. See below for a recommended diet progression.
Sometimes treatment includes prescription medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. Nonprescription medicine, such as floperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), is available for the treatment of diarrhea and can be very effective. If you use it, make sure you use the dose recommended on the package. Pepto-Bismol can turn tongue and stools black – a harmless and transient side effect. Imodium will not cure diarrhea. It acts as a chemical cork while the diarrheal process (water loss from the body into the intestine) goes on. It is useful primarily if there is a period of time when it is necessary to avoid using the toilet.
Dehydration is a potentially serious complication of stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis). It can occur if your body loses too much fluid because you keep vomiting or having diarrhea. If you are severely dehydrated, you may need to be given fluids intravenously (IV).
