home remedies for stomach flu - #22007
I am feeling really miserable right now because my whole family has been hit with this nasty stomach flu. It started with me last week; I thought it was just something I ate, but then my kids got it too. The symptoms are just awful—nausea, vomiting, and a whole lot of diarrhea. Ugh! I've been looking into home remedies for stomach flu because going to the doctor feels like a hassle, especially with my kiddos acting all fussy and wanting attention. We did try some ginger tea and broth, which helped a bit, but honestly, I’m not sure if it's enough! I'm just terrified of dehydration since my youngest is so little. I read somewhere that home remedies for stomach flu like apple cider vinegar or peppermint tea might help, but I don't really know... should I try those too? It's tough to tell if any specific remedy works or if we're just waiting for this to blow over. Plus, should I be concerned about anything else, or just stick with the home remedies for stomach flu that seem to help? It's such a mess over here, and I really just want my family to feel better soon!
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Doctors' responses
When dealing with the stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, it’s crucial to focus on staying hydrated, as there’s a risk of dehydration, especially in young children. Keeping fluids up is your first priority. Since you’ve already tried ginger tea and broth, which are good for hydrating and calming the stomach, keep incorporating those. Apple cider vinegar doesn’t have solid evidence backing it for stomach flu, and introducing acidic solutions might aggravate nausea. Peppermint tea can sometimes help with nausea but use it cautiously in kids as it might not be well-tolerated. Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte are excellent for both adults and children and make a significant difference in maintaining electrolyte balance. Offer small, frequent sips rather than large amounts to reduce vomiting risk. As for food, once the vomiting lessens, try the BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—because it’s bland and gentle on the stomach. If after two days symptoms persist or worsen, especially if there’s blood in vomit or stools, high fever, or signs of severe dehydration, seek medical attention promptly. Watch your youngest for signs like decreased urine output, lethargy, or dry lips, and seek care if those appear. Rest and avoid complex foods, caffeine, and carbonated drinks as they could exacerbate symptoms. Don’t just use remedies; monitor symptoms, and be cautious, seeing a doctor when needed. Safety first in such situations.
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