Stomach Flu: What foods can cause it?

The common form of the flu referred to as stomach flu, or more scientifically known as viral gastroenteritis, is a common illness that involves inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The following foods are also known to cause the onset of the virus; Nonetheless, the major cause of viral infection is food. Learning the foods to avoid can be very vital in ensuring that one does not develop stomach flu or any health related complication to do with it.

There are many foods that are noted to cause stomach flu and some of the foods are discussed below Foods Known to Cause Stomach Flu.

• Raw or Undercooked Meat: Raw meat products such as beef, poultry, pork, and seafood contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli and should be cooked properly.
• Unpasteurized Dairy Products: Consumption of other dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt that is not pasteurized might contain listeria hence cause an infection to the affected body or cause side effects such as miscarriage in pregnant women and the like to those with a weakened body immune system.
• Contaminated Water: Drinking or using water from sources that are contaminated by human or animal feces, or from the ground that has been flooded by raw sewage can lead to gastroenteritis because one is likely to ingest viruses, bacteria or parasites.
• Raw Fruits and Vegetables: Viral or bacterial infections within stomach flu may be contracted by consuming unwashed or improperly handled produce.
• Shellfish and Seafood: Ingestion of raw or undercooked shellfish like oysters, clams and others may represent source(s) of norovirus infection or Vibrio bacteria causing gastrointestinal illness.
• Raw or Undercooked Eggs: Salmonella are present in eggs especially if they are prepared undercooked on the omen.
• Prepared Salads and Deli Foods: Prepared salad from salad bars or delis maybe contaminated with germs during handling that bare a risk of causing an illness if the hygiene standards are not well observed.

Prevention Strategies

To reduce the risk of contracting stomach flu from foods, individuals can take several preventive measures:To reduce the risk of contracting stomach flu from foods, individuals can take several preventive measures:

• Cooking Practices: The effective way of eliminating the infectious agents from getting into contact with food is by reheating meat, poultry, and seafood to the right temperatures.
• Hygiene Habits: Clean hands with soap and water before becoming involved in food preparation, after visiting the washroom, or after touching any raw food, especially meat or vegetables. For more instructions talk to a gastroenterologist.
• Proper Food Handling: Wash fruits and vegetables under running water before consumption, and avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce.
• Safe Water Consumption: Drink and use clean, safe water for drinking and food preparation to prevent waterborne infections.
• Choosing Pasteurized Products: Opt for pasteurized dairy products to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.

Conclusion

Stomach flu can be a condition that can affect your quality of life and ability to perform your tasks properly. To deal with this issue remember to consult a gastroenterologist in Karachi for treatment.