When it comes to stomach flu, you will have to wait for the illness to get better by itself. However, there are times when you should consider calling our home doctor for stomach flu in Costa del Sol. Find out everything you should know about stomach flu and when to call us to get treated in this article.
What is stomach flu?
Stomach flu is not one single condition. In fact, it’s a name for viral gastroenteritis. This condition is caused by adenoviruses, rotaviruses, or noroviruses. Each of these viruses target your digestive tract and cause the intestine and stomach to become inflamed.
Some of the symptoms of stomach flu include:
- Cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
Our home doctor for stomach flu in Costa del Sol explains that when you experience these symptoms it is your body trying to get rid of the virus, rather than the virus causing these symptoms.
How to treat stomach flu
As we have already seen, there is no cure for the stomach flu as yet. Many people think that antibiotics will help but they fail to work as the condition is caused by a virus rather than bacteria. Most people have to wait for this illness to get better by itself. However, there are a few things you can do to make yourself feel much more comfortable and help to prevent any complications from developing.
Drink plenty of fluids – This is vital, especially if you have diarrhoea or you’re vomiting. You should try to drink a cup of water at least once every hour. If a child is suffering from stomach flu they should drink one ounce of water every 30 minutes to an hour. Please make sure that you drink slowly. Drinking too quickly could make the vomiting worse. If you have a child who gulps their drinks you should consider giving them an ice lolly instead.
Drink sensibly – Water might not always be suitable for you if you have diarrhoea. This is because your body will be losing electrolytes and minerals. Try to drink a diluted sports drink, oral rehydration solutions, or even decaffeinated tea. Any other drinks such as sugary drinks or those that are caffeinated or carbonated could make your diarrhoea worse.
Eat your normal diet as soon as you can – While many people might be tempted to stick to a very bland diet, our home doctor for stomach flu in Costa del Sol advices you to only do this for the first 1-2 days. You should make sure you enjoy your normal, nutritional diet as soon as you can. This is so that your body gets the nutrients it needs
Get plenty of rest – This is important as your body will need time to heal itself and recover from the illness.
When to call our home doctor for stomach flu in Costa del Sol
If you think you have stomach flu and you’re feeling weak and dizzy, you could be dehydrated. Call our home doctor for stomach flu in Costa del Sol
if you have these symptoms:
- Blood in stools
- Blood in your vomit
- Dehydration – you don’t pass a lot of water and your mouth is dry
- You have a fever of 38 C or more, or an infant or older person has a fever of 39 C or more.
- The lower right hand side of your stomach hurts
- You have a swollen stomach
- You have vomiting that has lasted more than 2 days
If you are unable to keep your fluids down or you have diarrhoea, vomiting or a fever, you should get help right away. If you pass out there should be someone nearby to call our home doctor service for stomach flu in Costa del Sol right away.