Healthbeautyidea.com | How To Prevent The Stomach Flu – Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, is a common illness that affects millions of people around the world.
The stomach flu is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract involving the stomach and the small intestine, resulting in a combination of diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain and cramps.
This disease is an infection that occurs in the stomach or intestine caused by some types of virus. Stomach flu is also called Gastroenteritis, or stomach virus. This infection causes the onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and even sometimes cause fever.
Norovirus is one of the virus cause stomach flu, inflammatory disease that triggers on the stomach and intestines. The virus was found in contaminated food and drink. It can also live on the surface of or spreads due to contact with an infected person. Stomach flu is very contagious.
Fortunately, there are several simple ways to prevent the stomach flu and keep it at bay. In this article, we will discuss of these methods.
How To Prevent The Stomach Flu
Here are some ways to prevent stomach flu:
1. Washing hands.
Washing hands, especially after the toilet and before eating. Wash your hands thoroughly, including between the nail and also backs up to clean hands. Use the hand soap and warm water and then rub it, also at least around 20 seconds. If there is no soap or water, use wipes or hand Sanitizer which is capable of killing germs.
2. Food and beverage consumption.
- Avoid consumption of raw foods such as veggies or fruits already peeled and touched by other people.
- Do not consume meat that isn’t cooked, make sure in advance to cook until done.
- While outside the home, purchase bottled water, this is to avoid consuming water contaminated by others.
3. Avoid Sharing Food and Drink
Sharing food and drink with others can increase your risk of getting the stomach flu. This is because the virus or bacteria that causes the illness can be easily spread through contaminated food and drink. Avoid sharing utensils, cups, plates, and food with others, especially if they are sick.
4. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is a common complication of the stomach flu, as vomiting and diarrhea can cause a loss of fluids and electrolytes. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids, such as water, tea, broth, and sports drinks. Avoid drinks that are high in sugar or caffeine, as these can worsen dehydration.
5. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in your home and workplace can help prevent the spread of the stomach flu. Use a disinfectant cleaner to wipe down surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. Also, clean and disinfect any surfaces that may be contaminated with vomit or feces.
6. Avoid Contact with Sick People
Avoiding contact with sick people is another important way to prevent the stomach flu. If someone in your household or workplace is sick, avoid close contact with them. This includes hugging, kissing, shaking hands, and sharing personal items. If you have to care for someone who is sick, wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself.
7. Take Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your digestive system. Taking probiotics can help prevent the stomach flu by boosting your immune system and promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. You can get probiotics from foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, or from supplements.
8. Practice Good Personal Hygiene
Practicing good personal hygiene is another important way to prevent the stomach flu. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash. It also includes showering or bathing regularly, wearing clean clothes, and keeping your home and workplace clean.
9. Use of personal equipment.
When one of the family members there who are stricken with stomach flu, avoid the use of towels and eating utensils simultaneously.
10. Stay Home if You’re Sick
If you have the stomach flu, stay home from work or school until you are feeling better. This will help prevent the spread of the illness to others. Also, avoid close contact with others, and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
11. Vaccine.
Because of its effectiveness and safety, in 2009 the World Health Organization recommends that rotavirus vaccine is given to all children throughout the world.
This vaccine can also prevent the wide-spread of the disease in children who are not vaccinated by way of reducing the number of infections that are outstanding.
The first dose of vaccine should be given to infants aged between 6 to 15 weeks.
FAQs About Stomach Flu
Q: What are the symptoms of the stomach flu?
A: The symptoms of the stomach flu include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, and headache.
Q: How long does the stomach flu last?
A: The stomach flu usually lasts for one to three days, but can last up to 10 days in some cases.
Q: What should I eat if I have the stomach flu?
A: If you have the stomach flu, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods such as crackers, toast, rice, and bananas.
Q: Can I get the stomach flu from food?
A: Yes, you can get the stomach flu from contaminated food or water. To prevent this, cook your food thoroughly and avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, or shellfish.
Q: How can I prevent the stomach flu?
A: To prevent the stomach flu, wash your hands frequently, avoid sharing food and drink, cook your food thoroughly, stay hydrated, get vaccinated, clean and disinfect surfaces, avoid contact with sick people, take probiotics, practice good personal hygiene, and stay home if you’re sick.
Bottom Line
The stomach flu can be a disruptive and uncomfortable illness, but there are several simple ways to prevent it. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of getting the stomach flu and keep yourself and your family healthy. Remember to always practice good hygiene and stay home if you’re sick to prevent the spread of the illness to others.
Thank you very much for reading How To Prevent The Stomach Flu, hopefully useful.
