How to Stop a Stomach Flu

Caused by several different viruses, stomach flu is most often characterized by diarrhea, nausea and vomiting accompanied by dizziness and fatigue. Stomach flu is quite contagious, so taking steps to avoid it is the best way to prevent it. If you have stomach flu, it's important to take care of yourself well to help it pass faster and make it less likely to recur.

Things You'll Need

• Bleach
• Disinfectant

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet. Stomach flu viruses can be passed through feces, vomit and sometimes even saliva. Flu-like rotavirus or norovirus can live outside the body on food and household surfaces for two weeks or longer.

• 2

  Keep bathroom and kitchen surfaces very clean. Use bleach or some other disinfectant to kill as many germs as possible in these parts of your house, especially when someone in the house is ill.

• 3

  Stay home from work if you have stomach flu, and keep sick kids home from school. Rest is the best way to help the body fight the virus, and you reduce the risk of spreading the virus by staying home.

• 4

  Avoid eating or drinking when your stomach feels upset, or if you have vomiting or diarrhea. Food and drinks just irritate the stomach more. If you haven't felt ill or been sick for two hours, try taking some small sips of water to see if you can keep it down.

• 5

  Eat plain, easily digestible food while you're ill. Saltines, plain toast or clear broth are all things you might be able to eat when you start to feel better. For a couple days after having the stomach flu, avoid rich, greasy, foods and acidic foods and drinks. Some people get diarrhea from dairy products after they've had stomach flu, so you should avoid them for a week or two.