7 Ways to Deal with Norovirus Gastroenteritis

• Norovirus gastroenteritis is commonly referred to as the stomach flu. The virus is highly infectious and is in fact called infectious gastroenteritis by most medical providers
• A case of acute gastroenteritis is not something to brag about. The stomach flu brings with it a number of symptoms and can be highly problematic
• Diarrhea, vomiting and nausea are just some of the results that come from a bout with all types of gastroenteritis including chronic gastroenteritis
• There are several ways to deal with this illness that prove effective and make it more comfortable for the affected person. Even in the case of salmonella gastroenteritis can a person deal effectively

Below is a list of seven ways to deal with norovirus gastroenteritis. Although this illness is not without its problems, there are ways to make it less impactful and speed up the healing process.

1. Rest in bed

The key to getting over the stomach flu quicker is rest. Your body is under attack and rest is a useful weapon in the arsenal. Most likely you will feel like you need to rest and that feeling should not be ignored when dealing with acute gastroenteritis. Rest will help to relieve the symptoms of norovirus gastroenteritis as your body needs time to heal. Try to avoid your daily routine and if possible, stay home from work or public places so that you do not pass the virus on to someone else. Infectious gastroenteritis is just that, infectious.

2. Drink plenty of fluids

When suffering from the stomach flu, dehydration is a high possibility. Mild dehydration can be alleviated by drinking small amounts of liquid if you can keep them down. Chronic gastroenteritis can cause severe dehydration in which case you may need to seek medical care for intravenous liquids. Chewing on ice chips and sipping on small amounts of liquid can prove beneficial when dealing with symptoms of norovirus gastroenteritis.

3. Take medication for fever relief

The only medication that can really help in dealing with acute gastroenteritis or chronic gastroenteritis is aspirin or some sort of fever relief. Antibiotics do not help in battling this virus. A fever reducer can make you feel more comfortable and able to rest longer, which is what your body needs to get well.

4. Avoid dairy products

When suffering from the stomach flu it is wise to avoid consuming dairy products. Dairy products, like milk, are hard on the stomach and can cause additional upset, nausea or vomiting. Stick to ice, water and tea. Salmonella gastroenteritis can cause a strong aversion to dairy products and you should listen to your body when it reacts against these rich foods.

5. Avoid caffeine and alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol can weaken the immune system and cause the illness to prolong. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided when dealing with symptoms of infectious gastroenteritis.

6. Reintroduce food gradually

It is important to gradually introduce food back into your system to avoid nausea and vomiting. Slowly see what your body can handle, especially when getting over salmonella gastroenteritis. Stick with easy to digest foods like chicken broth, bananas, applesauce or toast.

7. Seek medical care

As with any case of norovirus gastroenteritis it is important to contact your family physician or urgent care if symptoms persist. This will help you avoid dehydration or worse yet.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.