Also known as gastroenteritis, stomach flu is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that can produce symptoms like nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headaches, loss of appetite and sometimes low-grade fever which may last from one day to more than a week. Common causes are viruses, food or water contaminated by bacteria or parasites or side effect from medicines.<

If you think you might have gastroenteritis, consider these steps.

1. Sip liquids.
Drinking fluids too quickly can make nausea and vomiting worse. Take small sips of water, best with oral rehydration salts or sports drink to prevent dehydration. Do this over a couple of hours

2. Take note of urination.
You should be urinating at regular intervals, and your urine should be light and clear. Infrequent passage of dark urine is a sign of dehydration.

3. Ease back into eating.
Try to eat small amounts of food frequently if you experience nausea. Slowly begin to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods such as soda crackers, toast, rice, and chicken. Avoid milk and dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods for a few days.

4. Get plenty of rest.
This will allow your body to recover from weakness and restoring electrolytes.

5. Seek medical attention if:

• Vomiting lasts more than two days
• Diarrhea lasts more than several days and turns bloody
• Fever is more than 39 degrees Celsius or higher
• You get lightheaded or faint when you stand
• Confusion develops
• You have severe stomach pain