Last month, Mummy Charmaine's loved ones were all infected by Stomach Flu virus. So.. what is stomach flu?
It's a disease that commonly caused by the infection of virus or bacteria, which the common symptoms are vommiting and diarrhea.
Most viral and bacterial causes of the stomach flu can be transfer to other people by direct and indirect contact, usually by the fecal or oral route. Direct contact could involve an infant's hand touching feces-contaminated surfaces and then touching a sibling or relative; indirect contact would be like touching a door knob or railing on a cruise ship or in a dorm that is contaminated and the person touches the contaminated surface and transfers the agent by touching their mouth.
Another common way to get stomach flu is drinking or eating contaminated foods and liquids. A few causes of gastroenteritis are not contagious, for example, food allergies or the side effects of medications.
Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is a common, worldwide disease and almost everyone suffers from it a few times in their life because it is almost impossible to avoid contact with some of the viral and bacterial causes.
Acute gastroenteritis (viral) lasts about 7 to 14 days, and is then usually self-cured.
Chronic gastroenteritis (for example, allergic gastroenteritis) may last for months or longer if not diagnosed and appropriately treated.
There are many different natural and/or home remedies that may help reduce gastroenteritis symptoms. However, discuss home remedies with your physician before using them.
-Home treatment consists of adequate fluid intake so dehydration is prevented
-Clear fluids are recommended (Pedialyte especially for young children, Gatorade, PowerAde and other sports drinks), but not fruit juices or milk as they may prolong the symptoms
-Salt
-Ginger
-Baking soda
-Apple cider vinegar
-Basil
-Chamomile tea
-Asafetida spice
-Zinc
-Cinnamon
-Mint
-Turmeric
-Yogurt
If dehydration occurs, the patient should be immediately evaluated by a doctor.
Some health-care professionals suggest a special diet for the gastroenteritis, especially for viral and/or bacterial infections in children.
First and foremost is adequate fluid rehydration to prevent dehydration.
The diet frequently suggested is termed the "BRAT" diet. This diet consists of foods that are not usually irritating but soothing for the gastrointestinal tract. The BRAT diet stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. Although some doctors think this diet may not markedly benefit patients, others recommend it for both adults and children for a day or two to make the transition from the resolving symptoms of acute gastroenteritis to the patient's previously normal diet.
As the gastroenteritis symptoms abate, especially vomiting, doctors may recommend a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apples and toast) for a day or two before returning to the patient's regular diet. Potatoes, lean meat like chicken and whole grains can help replace nutrients and electrolytes lost with diarrhea.
Many doctors recommend no medical treatment for gastroenteritis symptoms as all of the drugs have side effects and if the patient stays well hydrated, the symptoms usually stop soon anyway. Patients who have more serious symptoms or other symptoms in addition to gastroenteritis need to be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated by a physician because the patient will likely have a specific disease that will need treatment.
There is no diet that will prevent gastroenteritis but food preparation plays a strong role in preventing gastroenteritis. In general, there are some actions people can do to prevent or reduce the chance of getting gastroenteritis, including:
-Hand washing, especially before eating and after any close association with an infected person or items (clothing, bedding, toys) they have touched
-Launder items daily that infected persons wear
-Avoid direct contact with infected individuals when possible
-Do not eat undercooked foods, especially meats
-Do not eat raw foods or drink untreated water
-Do not drink untreated or unpasteurized fluids, especially milk
-Thoroughly wash any produce, especially in third world countries, before eating
-While traveling, avoid all raw foods and ice; drink only from sealed bottled products and use bottled water for tooth brushing
Suggestions of products you can invest in to further prevent stomach flu for your baby.
1. Babywearing! Keeps baby safe, secure, warm, comfort and best of all out of reach from a stranger's touch or prevent your kids from touching any surface.
- EU SPC
- SUPPORi
- SUKKIRi
2. 3-in-1 safety harness, Yochi Yochi, so you can avoid public highchairs and safely have your kids seated on a normal hair when dining out. Or can be used as a safety harness when at the mall or park and even as a safety secure harness when seated in a shopping cart.
For any further enquiries, please feel free to be in touch with us at:
WhatsApp: +6012-5267411
Email: customerservice@unisonca.com