Is Stomach Flu Contagious?
Stomach Flu which is also known by the name of gastroenteritis is a gastrointestinal condition caused mainly by viruses like Norovirus and Rotavirus but can also be caused by bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Stomach Flu causes the GI tract to get inflamed resulting in a variety of symptoms like vomiting, persistent diarrhea, fever, and weakness. Stomach Flu is extremely contagious and can spread very quickly from one individual to another within no time. Stomach Flu is common in both adults and children alike. This condition spreads through direct contact with an infected person, sharing clothes, food, utensils, and the like of an infected person, not washing hands thoroughly before eating food. The symptoms of Stomach Flu usually appear within a couple of days of having been infected by the virus. The severity of the symptoms of stomach flu depends on the type of virus that causes the condition.
What are Some of the Natural Remedies for Stomach Flu?
Below mentioned are some natural remedies which are quite effective in getting rid of Stomach Flu.
Ginger: This is one such food item which is easily available and accessible and has immense antiinflammatory properties which makes it quite an effective natural remedy for stomach flu. Ginger also acts as an antiviral and helps the body fight off the virus that caused the Stomach Flu in first place. Ginger also helps in digestion and provides instant relief from some of the symptoms of stomach flu like nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and abdominal bloating.
Ginger also helps in decreasing the frequency of the diarrhea that an individual has while battling Stomach Flu. One needs to boil a teaspoon of freshly cut ginger in about 2 cups of water. Let it cool down for about 10 minutes. One can add some tea leaves for taste and drink the tea. You can take this tea a few times a day until you feel relief from symptoms. Simply chewing chopped ginger is also quite effective. It should also be mentioned here that ginger is not recommended for people with chronic hypertension.
Peppermint: This is yet another effective natural remedy for treating stomach flu. Peppermint is a natural antispasmodic which helps in eliminating gas and bloating and provide relief from intestinal cramping. You can add a teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves to a cup of boiling water. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes, strain it and drink the solution. You may need to drink the solution a few times a day for best results.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon has also proved to be quite an effective natural remedy for treating stomach flu. This herb has immense antibacterial properties as well as acts as an antiviral and helps the body fight off the virus that caused the stomach flu. It also helps with the minor aches, weakness, and chills that you may suffer from due to stomach flu. All you need to do is take a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and mix it in two cups of boiling water. Allow the solution to cool down. Filter the solution and add a few drops of honey top it for taste and drink the tea about three to four times a day to get best relief from Stomach Flu.
Chamomile: This is yet another herb which is very effective in fighting off stomach flu naturally. It also has abundant antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties which make it very effective in treating various symptoms caused by stomach flu in a natural way. You need to add a few chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling water. Allow the water to cool down for about 10 minutes. Filter the solution, add some lemon juice to it for taste and drink this tea about four times a day for a couple of days to completely get rid of Stomach Flu
Apple Cider Vinegar: This is a home remedy which is effective for any illnesses and Stomach Flu is no exception. It is a very potent antiviral and helps in eliminating a variety of viruses including the viruses that cause Stomach Flu. It also has pectin in it which is very effective in soothing an inflamed stomach. You need to add a teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to a glass of water or fruit juice and drink it. You need to drink it before meals until you get complete relief from the symptoms of Stomach Flu.
Lemon: This yet another effective natural remedy for treating Stomach Flu. Due to its acidic nature it kills the viruses that caused the stomach flu in the first place. It also has antimicrobial properties which boost the immune system and helps the body fight against the virus which was responsible for Stomach Flu. You need to mix a couple of teaspoons of lemon juice in water, add some sugar to it and drink the juice. Lemon Juice is of best benefit if it is taken about half an hour before meals. You need to drink this juice till the time you completely recover from Stomach Flu.