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Hearing someone say they feel nauseous and may be getting a stomach virus can make you want to turn and run. The dreaded stomach bug will often start with fever and chills before progressing to vomiting and diarrhoea, be accompanied by stomach pain, appetite loss, body aches, fatigue and, in some cases, dehydration. Stomach flu is not caused by the influenza virus, as the common name suggest, but different viruses, such as norovirus and rotavirus, bacteria, parasites, toxins (such as from plants or medication). Some illness can also be associated with gastritis such as bowel disease. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu), also known as infectious diarrhea or “gastro”, is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (the stomach and intestines).
Common culprits include:
Eating improperly prepared food, drinking contaminated water, poor hygiene practices or close contact with a person who is infected can spread the disease-causing gastroenteritis.
Viral gastroenteritis is spread from one person to another and is highly contagious. The virus is found in vomit and faeces of a contaminated person and spread through contact (such as handshakes, touching etc), touching a contaminated object (coffee cup, pen, door handle for example) or from food and beverages. Rotavirus infections are a major cause of severe gastroenteritis in children causing malabsorption and dehydration.
Drug and Chemical-Related Gastroenteritis
Some medications can cause vomiting and diarrhea - such as antacids containing magnesium, antibiotics (leading to clostridium difficile), anthelminthics (to remove parasites and worms for example), cytotoxic (used in cancer therapy), colchicine (used to treat gout) and laxatives for example.
Diagnosis is generally clinical assessment based on symptoms or a stool culture (bowel motion culture) and medication evaluation.
In most cases gastroenteritis will resolve on its own without any treatment needed, unless the cause is bacterial or parasitic, in which case anti-infective treatment may be needed. The doctor may also prescribe anti-diarrheal and nausea medication in some conditions of gastroenteritis.
There are some natural remedies to help with uncomfortable symptoms and avoidance of spread of infection. The most important aspect is avoiding dehydration, particularly in the elderly, infants and those with compromised immunity. Dehydration can be serious.
It is important to keep up fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
Rest as much as possible and avoid stimulating drinks such as caffeinated drinks (strong tea, coffee, cocoa), and alcohol which will make dehydration worse.
Ginger is perfect for helping with symptoms of stomach flu. Its action includes carminative (relieving digestive discomfort), anti-emetic (reducing vomiting), spasmolytic (relief of spasmodic pain), diaphoretic (promoting perspiration and fever reduction) and anti-inflammatory.
Ginger can be taken in a number of different ways such of as a supplement, ginger lollies, ginger tea and essential oil of ginger in an oil burner as aromatherapy.
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) herb offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and parasitic actions amongst its many activities and may help in prevention of viruses causing diarrhoea. Handy for travellers.
Many essential oils show activity against pathogenic viruses. Some well-known essential oils include:
Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) possess antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties making it valuable against a wide variety of infections. Use in vaporizer or it to wipe over surfaces to aid in the elimination of pathogens.
Eucalyptus oil offers antimicrobial action against many pathogens. Use it around the house to help prevent the spread of virus and bacteria.
Oregano oil and its primary component, carvacrol - has been shown effective against norovirus, causing the breakdown of viral defences.
Does the use of Probiotics and prebiotics help? Evidence suggests that probiotics -
Prebiotics may improve the efficacy of probiotics. A prebiotic is a non-digestible dietary fibre which provide food for healthy probiotic growth. They are often found in with probiotic formulas or can be added to food. Suggestions are inulin, beta glucan, oligosaccharides, pectin, garlic, unripe (green) bananas (inulin), barley (beta glucan) and apples (pectin). Prebiotics help improve digestive health.
Zinc supplementation improves oral hydration and is recommended by the world health organisation (WHO)in cases of acute gastroenteritis. Zinc is supports immune system function. Adequate zinc levels in the body help protect from invading pathogens.
Food might be the last thing on your mind in the initial stage of the gastro (when vomiting and diarrhea are at its worse), but when the appetite returns it is beneficial to start slow and small.
When there is a tolerance to fluid without vomiting, food can slowly be reintroduced. Lactose can sometimes be a problem so avoidance of lactose containing products is suggested (dairy-free diet).
Bland food is often advised – such as bananas, apples, rice and toast.
Washing hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and running water especially before preparing foods and eating, after using the toilet or changing nappies. Dry hands on a clean towel.