Health and well-being

How to survive the stomach flu

27/1/2025
6 min

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!

What is the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?

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: 

  • Washing your hands regularly
  • Disinfecting the house (the gastro virus can survive on surfaces for several days!)
  • Avoiding contact and postpone plans if you or someone you know is showing symptoms of stomach flu, has stomach flu or is just recovering from stomach flu
  • Designating areas (bathroom and bedroom) for the sick person to limit the spread of the virus

Symptoms of a stomach bug

Typically, a stomach bug, or gastroenteritis, is characterised by the following symptoms, which usually disappear after 24 to 72 hours: 

  • Frequent abdominal cramps
  • Diarrhoea: at least three liquid or semi-liquid stools in 24 hours, or stools that are heavier and more frequent than usual
  • Nausea and vomiting

Other gastro symptoms may include: 

  • Mild fever
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Drowsiness, weakness, irritability and even confusion

What to eat when you have a stomach bug

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

  • plain pasta, rice and bread
  • lean meat
  • fish
  • eggs
  • homemade broths and soups
  • fresh fruit (like bananas) or canned fruit (in their juice), sugar-free apple sauce
  • cooked vegetables
  • sugar-free cereal

Which food to avoid

  • fried or very fatty food
  • dairy products
  • dried fruit or canned fruit (in syrup)
  • sugary cereal
  • candy and chocolate
  • very spicy food
  • coffee and alcohol

How to stay hydrated when you have a stomach bug

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:

  • Drink water or herbal teas (green tea, ginger tea, etc.) as much as possible
  • If you find it difficult to drink, suck on ice cubes or regularly drink small sips of water 
  • If you or your child are showing symptoms of dehydration, try to drink more or start taking an oral rehydration solution (such as Gastrolyte, Pedialyte or Pediatric Electrolyte)


For babies and children: 

  • Encourage your child to drink using a cup, bottle, spoon, dropper or syringe 
  • Do not prevent your child from drinking if they are thirsty
  • Give your child liquid every 5 to 15 minutes
  • If your baby is breast-fed or bottle-fed, they can continue to drink their usual milk (breast milk, formula or whole milk)
  • Breastfeed your baby as often as possible, for shorter periods of time, without measuring quantities; if your baby is bottle-fed, offer smaller quantities more often

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.

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