Who’s Got the Stomach Flu?

The last few weeks the stomach bug has run through our family like wild, with no one being immune to it everyone has had different symptoms. Some of us have even had symptoms twice. I think we all can agree that no one likes the stomach bug, and some of us get it more severe than others. So what can we do while we are in the midst of trying to survive its wrath? Read on for some tips and ideas to support yourself and your family when no one is feeling very well.

This weeks’ Healthy Tip Tuesday is brought to you in partnership with Trinity Hospital Twin City.

Many people, myself included, may not realize the CDC actually has information on what we call the “stomach flu” There is a technical term for it called Norovirus or Viral Gastroenteritis (rotavirus). Click the links to read about all of the details, but what we all know is it is highly contagious.

How do we get it?

• Through consuming contaminated food or water
• Direct contact with someone who already has the virus
• Touching contaminated surfaces, and putting unwashed hands in your mouth

There is no true treatment for either virus. So prevention is key!

• Wash your hands often
• Rinse fruits and veggies
• Cook food thoroughly
• Stay home when sick and up to two days after symptoms stop
• Avoid cooking food for others when sick for up to two days after symptoms stop
• Get vaccinated for Rotavirus starting at age 1

When to call your doctor:

• Can not keep liquids down for 24 hours
• You have been vomiting more than two days
• As an adult a fever above 104 f or child above 102 f
• Bloody stool
• Your infant does not have a wet diaper in 6 hours
• You have symptoms of dehydration

During and after recovery:

• Get lots of rest if possible
• Drink liquids with electrolytes such as Powerade or Pedialyte
• Eat bland foods during and right after recovery
• Ease into normal activities

It’s never fun when any of us gets the stomach, and we never seem to know what causes it. I know as a mom of a 2-year-old it was tough to watch him with the flu. He had never had it before. Stay healthy everyone!