Commonly referred to as stomach flu, gastrointestinal viral diseases like norovirus cause unpleasant symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and diarrhoea. However, most bouts of stomach flu can be managed at home and often resolve quickly, typically within two days of symptom onset.
Most healthy people can fight off viral gastroenteritis on their own by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and adjusting their diet. Fluid intake is especially important because diarrhoea can lead to dehydration. As for diet, avoid heavy, fatty foods in favour of light, bland meals to prevent making your symptoms worse.
Severe bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea may require treatment in a hospital. If fluid loss is serious, doctors can provide fluids intravenously. They may also prescribe medication to control these symptoms. Certain signs indicate that you should seek immediate medical care, including:
An inability to expel urine and faecal matter can also signal severe dehydration, which can be life-threatening if the proper assistance is not sought.
While healthy adults with stomach flu are not likely to suffer from severe effects, preventing infections before they happen can help you avoid symptoms. In this case, the following actions are quite helpful:
These steps can also help you stop the spread of viral illness. And if you find yourself coming down with symptoms of stomach flu, avoid contact with others as much as possible.