Stomach flu is rather confusing name given to a simple, yet unpleasant illness. While 'flu' suggests that it is caused by an influenza virus it is in fact caused by different viruses such as the noroviruses or sapoviruses that cause inflammation of the digestive system (gastroenteritis).

Treating gastroenteritis or 'stomach flu' usually involves simply making the symptoms less severe and waiting for the virus to leave the body. Anti-biotics should be heavily avoided because they will not have an effect on the virus but they will deplete the body of both good and bad bacteria at the same time, leaving the individual susceptible to a range of infections such as thrush. Depending on the age of the patient and the type of virus they have contracted symptoms will vary and therefore so will treatment. If an infant had diarrhea they most likely have a rotavirus and the main aim of parents and caregivers should be to keep the child hydrated. Adults are more likely to develop diarrhea from noroviruses and should also keep well hydrated.

Another very common symptom of stomach flu is vomiting and coupling this with diarrhea means there is a huge margin for dehydration. If someone in your family has suspected stomach flu then it's a good idea to sanitize your hands and head to the shops for the Gatorade or any other drink rich in electrolytes that help with fast hydration. For infants and young children it's important to have some ORS (Oral Re-hydration Solution) in the house and you should keep a close eye on how much they drink and how much they vomit/excrete to make sure there is fluid still in their body. Giving a child food if they are vomiting is inadvisable unless they are hungry. Also, people of all ages should avoid diary products if they only have diarrhea. Once the symptoms start to subside try feeding or eating dry crackers, dry toast or boiled rice as these all soak up toxins and are easy to digest. Ginger ale, crystallized ginger or ginger tea may help with feelings of nausea.

One of the most important things that should go alongside any bacterial or viral infection is keeping clean. Viruses are commonly spread through vomit or feces so clean and bleach toilets every time they are used and always wash your and your child's hands. Sanitizing solution is best used in public if you are aware of a gastroenteritis outbreak.

Your primary aim in treating stomach flu is to keep yourself or your child well hydrated for the duration of the illness. If your child has sunken eyes and poor skin elasticity (pinch the skin on the back of their hand; does it spring back or take 2 seconds to return to normal?) and an increased thirst then they may be dehydrated and should be taken to a doctor. If they lose their thirst and become unusually lethargic this is a sign of severe dehydration and should be taken very seriously.

Stan Tian

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