Stomach virus: How to survive the infection!
In case of diarrhoea & vomiting, how to treat it? Stomach flu is unpleasant, but usually harmless. The basic rule is always to alleviate symptoms, replenish fluid losses and, in serious cases, consult a doctor. You can find out how to recognise a stomach bug and how to deal with it in the following article.
How can I recognise gastroenteritis?
Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis or diarrhoea, is an unpleasant but mostly harmless illness. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and cramps. These reactions are the body's attempt to defend itself against the pathogens. However, with the right treatment, recovery can be accelerated and complications can be avoided.
Recognising symptoms and differentiating between serious cases
A gastrointestinal infection is mainly caused by infections with noroviruses or rotaviruses, less frequently by bacteria or parasites. The infection usually subsides on its own within a few days. Nevertheless, medical advice should be sought if certain symptoms occur:
- Symptoms last for more than three days
- Severe fever or exceptional weakness
- Blood in the stool
- Inability to absorb or retain fluids
Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised persons are particularly at risk, as the loss of fluids caused by vomiting and diarrhoea can be especially dangerous.
Aids and prevention
The most important step in case of diarrhoea is to drink enough. Still water, herbal teas or special electrolyte solutions are best. Sugary drinks such as cola or fruit juices should be avoided as they put additional strain on the gastrointestinal tract. Light foods like bananas, rusks, rice or carrot soup also aid digestion. Adequate hydration can therefore balance the fluid and electrolyte levels.
In addition to the right diet, the following tips and remedies from the pharmacy can alleviate gastroenteritis symptoms:
- Rest and warmth: bed rest and a hot water bottle to relieve abdominal cramps
- Tea and broth: fennel, camomile or gastrointestinal tea soothe
- Probiotics: Useful microorganisms that help to build up the intestinal flora
- Activated charcoal or healing clay: They bind toxins and pathogens
However, the myth of salt sticks and cola as household remedies for gastrointestinal symptoms should not be followed under any circumstances. Cola contains hardly any electrolytes and the sugar only irritates the intestines further. Salt sticks contain sodium, but no potassium, which is also important. It is best to switch to electrolyte solutions, which are available in pharmacies.
As the gastrointestinal virus is highly contagious, care should be taken to wash hands thoroughly, especially after using the toilet, and to wash bed linen and towels at a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius to prevent the virus from spreading. In addition, the infected person should not prepare food for others. With these measures and the above-mentioned aids, gastroenteritis can be managed well.
In case of complications, please contact your doctor or pharmacist. You can find the opening hours and on-call services of Austrian pharmacies on APO24.
Your APO24 team