Beating the Stomach Flu

By Donna Stark

I guess that the only good thing about cold and flu season is that it's just that ... a season. It's completely unlike some of the more common illnesses in the United States that can attack all year round, such as the one we all hate the most, the dreaded stomach flu. Having the stomach flu is one of the worst things to face. It can leave you bedridden, dehydrated, and all alone because usually, nobody wants to be around any of what is happening to your body. It's easily the one illness that leaves you wishing for any other illness in the world because it's just that bad.

Catching the Stomach Flu

Typically, one gets sick with the stomach flu when they have come into contact with contaminated food or with someone infected with the virus already. When the stomach flu invades the body, the lining of the intestines becomes inflamed causing symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and chills ... doesn't sound very pleasant, does it? But don't worry. There are some ways to avoid it altogether. Take a look.

• Keep your distance - Avoid being near anyone that has symptoms of the stomach flu, and if you must be around them, maintain some adequate personal space and some general common sense! Banish them to a different room or banish yourself! And be sure to not share dishes, food, or drinks with that person either!
• Wash your hands - Do this and do it often! If you are at work or out in public, wash your hands before you eat or drink  and teach your children to do the same too! You never know what you've come in contact with throughout your day.
• Disinfect - If you become sick or someone in your family does, be sure to disinfect all the shared surfaces in your home (do the same for your workspace too). This includes doorknobs, tables, bathroom fixtures, countertops, and keyboards.

Eating the Right Foods When Sick

Sometimes, no matter how hard you worked at protecting yourself from the stomach flu, you may still end up leaning over a bucket, sicker than a dog. It's at this point that you move on to the next step ... eating the right kind of food that will help get you through the nasty process. Here are some suggestions on what to consume, given that you can keep it down.

• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Toast
• Ginger tea
• Caffeine-free teas
• Vegetable broth
• Sweet potatoes
• Water or ice chips

Feeling Better

There isn't too much to enjoy when sick with the stomach flu, except for maybe your favorite television show. So keep a glass of water by your bedside and a remote in your hand. And if you aren't feeling better within a few days, head on in to see your primary care doctor.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.