A stomach flu also called a viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection known. by having watery stools, abdominal cramps, nausea, or vomiting.

The most common way to get a stomach flu is through direct contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water.

This is most especially alarmi for infants and older people with compromised immune systems, this condition may be lethal.

This condition will cause your stomach and intestines inflamed and irritated which is typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

I repeat, it is a highly contagious infection and is caused by a variety of viruses. There is no effective treatment for stomach flu, so the best way is thru prevention.

Additionally, simply avoiding food and drinks that may be contaminated as well as frequent and thorough hand-washing are both the best solutions in avoiding this condition.

This condition has several symptoms including:

• Watery stool, non-bloody diarrhea

• Stomach cramps and abdominal pain

• Nausea, vomiting, or both

• Occasional muscle aches or headache

• Low-grade fever

Symptoms usually appear within one to three days of getting infected and can range from mild to severe.

People who are infected may experience symptoms 12-48 hours after being exposed to the virus. Its symptoms may last for 3-7 days however, in severe cases, they can last up to 10 days.

Children on the other hand, are also at risk for a stomach flu. As children love to play outdoors and eat almost anything they plan on eating.

This is quite a common occurrence for children who have eaten dirt, food that fell on the floor, or drinking water from the faucet.

The things mentioned are a possible place for contamination. Children with a stomach shall be absent from daycare or school until all symptoms have subsided.

This condition occurs all over the world and affects everyone of any age and gender. However, there are people who are more susceptible to this condition, such as:

Older Adults - older people aging from 60 years and over are more susceptible due to their immune system that are weaker than before.

Most especially old people living in nursing homes, since they are in close contact with other people who may transfer germs.

Young Children - since a child’s immune system isn't fully matured, they are more susceptible to this virus.

School Children - churchgoers or dormitory residents, are people staying in a closed space where the environment can be infected by an intestinal, infection and easily be transferred.

Sick People - these people are known to have weaker bodies and immune systems. As their bodies resistance to infections are lower, they are mostly at risk.

Why do you get infected? what causes it? well, there are several causes as said before, they may either be caused by contamination or thru an infected person. To elaborate it, these are:

Contaminated Water Or Beverages - you’re most likely to contract a viral gastroenteritis when you eat or drink something that is contaminated, or if you share things such as utensils, towels, or food with someone who is infected.

Norovirus - this can affect both children and adults.

You're most likely to contract viral gastroenteritis when you eat or drink contaminated food and beverages, or if you share utensils, towels or food with someone who's infected.

This infection can sweep through families and communities most especially in confined spaces,

Rotavirus - this is the most common cause for a stomach flu in children. This infection is most severe in children and adults. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end there.

Some infected adults may not have symptoms, but can still spread the virus. So the scary thing about this is that even people who are unknowingly aware that they are infected, may infect numerous people they encounter with.

Since a stomach flu is common among children and adults, they have weaker immune systems and need milder remedies.

It is best to try these natural remedies for stomach flu before going straight to medication:

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Drink Plenty Of Fluids

Whenever you have diarrhea or vomiting, you have an excessive loss of fluid in the body.

So it is essential to drink plenty and enough water every hour for adults or try drinking a sports drink to give you a boost.

Avoid caffeinated, sugary, and carbonated drinks because it doesn’t give any hydration and may even make your diarrhea worse.

Ginger

This wonderful ingredient is popular among natural remedies because of its many medicinal properties.

The most essential part is its anti-inflammatory properties which helps treat digestive problems and nausea.

There are also plenty of uses for ginger, you may either drink, eat, or use it topically.

Peppermint

This is also a herb widely used for fighting an upset stomach. Some studies have found that mint can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

You can just simply chew a peppermint gum and help reduce abdominal pain temporarily. Or you can try making tea.

Yogurt

When you usually think of dairy products, it’s a big NO NO for diarrhea, exceptfor yogurt.

Yogurt is a great source of probiotics which are beneficial for stomach problems and helps aid the digestive tract.

This remedy can be done by anyone and will not possess negative side effects.

BRAT Diet

This stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

These foods are actually bland food that help your stool become more firm.

This is also a perfect diet for people with digestive problems as bananas contain potassium which are great in replacing nutrients lost from continuous vomiting and diarrhea.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This too is also popular among natural remedies due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

This is one of the most complex remedies you can try because you can use it for many varieties including a stomach flu.

Simply mixing one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water may help alleviate the symptoms.

As a stomach flu is viral, you should be cautious with your surroundings especially if you are the one infected.

Be responsible enough to avoid touching other objects or not washing your hands. This virus may affect older people and even young toddlers.

In order to avoid having to deal with this virus, you can just simply practice extra careful hygiene, or always washing your hands everytime you touch something that might be contaminated.