Gastroenteritis, aka stomach flu, is a common ailment that affects busy professionals year-round. The symptoms can be debilitating, from nausea and stomach cramps to vomiting and diarrhea.

If you have gastroenteritis, you may feel like you can’t do anything. Here are some tips on how to survive gastroenteritis when you’re a busy professional.

Stay Hydrated

Gastroenteritis can cause dehydration, so it’s essential to drink plenty of fluids. Drink water, clear broths, or any other fluid that doesn’t contain caffeine or alcohol.

You can also consume sports drinks or electrolyte solutions to help replenish the fluids and electrolytes you lose.

Rest Up

Resting can help your body recover faster from gastroenteritis. It’s okay to take a day off work to rest and allow your body to recover.

When you’re feeling better, take it easy and don’t overload yourself with activities or too much workload.

Eat Light, Avoid Spicy & Fatty Foods

When you’re experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis, it’s best to eat light foods that are easy to digest, like steamed vegetables, toasts, rice, and boiled eggs.

Avoid spicy and fatty foods that can trigger an upset stomach and further aggravate the symptoms.

Wash Your Hands Often

Gastroenteritis spreads through contact with contaminated stool or vomit, so it’s vital to wash your hands frequently, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, or preparing food.

Use soap and water and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing them off.

Avoid Close Contact with Others

When you have gastroenteritis, it’s best to avoid close contact with others to prevent spreading it to others. You can return to work when you’re feeling better and no longer contagious.

Stay at Home

It’s best to stay at home when you have gastroenteritis to avoid spreading the infection to others in the workplace. Most companies have clearly defined policies for employees who are sick, and it’s essential to follow these guidelines.

Consider Over-the-Counter Medications

If the symptoms of gastroenteritis are causing discomfort and interfering with your daily life, consider taking over-the-counter medications that can alleviate the symptoms.

Be sure to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications to avoid any side effects or drug interactions.

Seek Professional Help if Symptoms Persist

If your symptoms don’t improve after a few days or worsen, it’s best to seek professional medical help.

The doctor can determine if there is an underlying condition causing the gastroenteritis and prescribe medications or recommend additional treatments to alleviate the symptoms.

Conclusion

Gastroenteritis can be a challenging illness to manage, especially when you’re a busy professional. Still, with the above tips, you can help alleviate the symptoms, promote faster recovery, and return to your daily routine.