Stomach flu, gastro, gastroenteritis… however we call it, it’s a real pain in the neck! As soon as the cold weather sets in, it's almost impossible to avoid it. Whether you've caught the bug yourself, or whether your children have, no one is immune. Here's some advice to help you get through it!
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestine. It can be caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses, including norovirus, which is the most common cause of gastro in adults, and rotavirus, which is usually behind gastro in children.
This bug, which is most common in the fall and winter, is highly contagious and can easily be passed around from one family member to another once it enters the home. That's why it is so important to apply simple yet effective hygiene measures, including:
Typically, a stomach bug, or gastroenteritis, is characterised by the following symptoms, which usually disappear after 24 to 72 hours:
Other gastro symptoms may include:
Stomach bugs are generally not serious and can be treated at home. There are two golden rules to keep in mind when it comes to gastroenteritis: eat well and stay hydrated and rehydrated!
Although you may be less hungry when you're sick with gastro, you should still try to eat. Eating helps the intestinal lining heal more quickly and helps your body regain its strength.
Stopping eating, on the other hand, is not recommended. This does not reduce the symptoms of gastroenteritis, does not provide you with the calories you need and may delay healing. You can eat small portions, depending on the recommended foods that you can tolerate.
Which food to eat
Which food to avoid
We eliminate a lot of water and minerals during a stomach bug, which are essential for the body to function properly. For this reason, it's very important to stay hydrated, to rehydrate and to replenish mineral salts!
Here are some tips:
For babies and children:
As with any illness, it is very important to rest if you have gastroenteritis, as your body can become tired and weak. Take the time you need to recover!
Do your symptoms seem excessive or are they not going away? Go to the Bonjour-santé website to search for an appointment with your family doctor or for a walk-in appointment at a nearby clinic.
We also remind you that with the Bonjour-santé membership, members have unlimited access to e-consults with our team of nurses as well as virtual appointments with pharmacists. They can answer your questions and offer relevant advice. Simply log in to your Bonjour-santé account to access these services, or subscribe to take advantage of these and many other health services.