What can you eat with stomach flu?

Gastroenteritis often causes nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, fever, and loss of appetite, so a short period of eating less can happen. Food does not remove the infection; fluids are the immediate priority because vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration. Once nausea eases, appetite usually guides a gradual return to ordinary meals. There is no need to force food when every bite worsens nausea.

Take small sips of water, broth, or an oral rehydration drink. If these stay down, try toast, rice, potatoes, bananas, soup, crackers, or plain yoghurt in modest portions. Eat slowly and stop if nausea increases. Avoid alcohol and very rich, greasy, or spicy foods until your stomach is settling. Continue breastfeeding an infant, and ask a clinician about feeding plans for a young child. Return to your usual balanced meals gradually as tolerated.

Arrange medical advice if you cannot drink, keep vomiting, pass little urine, feel dizzy on standing, or become unusually weak or sleepy. Seek prompt care for blood in stool or vomit, severe abdominal pain, a high or persistent fever, or symptoms that are getting worse rather than easing. Children, older adults, and people with chronic illness may need earlier assessment.

Ask which fluids suit you, when to restart regular foods, and whether your medicines or a child’s feeding routine need adjustment.