The stomach flu could be caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus, or by bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus, salmonella, shigella, E. coli, or others. The stomach flu is self-limited, meaning the symptoms usually end in 2-3 days, but can last up to 10 days. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source There is no cure, so focus on preventing it from spreading and making yourself as comfortable as possible while the virus runs its course.
In most cases, you do not need medical care to recover from these viruses.
Increased or constant vomiting for more than a day Fever over 101 °F (38 °C) Diarrhea for more than two days Weight loss Decreased urine production Confusion Weakness[2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Fever higher than 103 °F (39 °C) Confusion Sluggishness (lethargy) Seizures Difficulty breathing Chest or abdominal pains Fainting Blood in vomit or stool No urine in the last 12 hours Feeling faint or light-headed, especially upon standing A racing pulse Severe or localized abdominal pain (this could indicate appendicitis or pancreatitis) Pregnancy
No wet diapers for 5 or 6 hours Sunken spot at the top of the skull (fontanel) Dark urine Drier-than-usual mouth and eyes A lack of tears during crying[4] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Skin tenting (if you pinch the skin, it holds the shape)
Don’t touch people if you don’t have to. Avoid unnecessary hugs, kisses, or handshakes. Try not to handle frequently-touched surfaces such as doorknobs, toilet handles, faucet handles, or kitchen cabinet handles. Cover your hand with the sleeve of your shirt, or put a tissue over your hand first. Sneeze or cough into your elbow. Bend your arm at the elbow and bring it up to your face so that your nose and mouth are in the crook of your arm. This will prevent germs from getting on your hand, where they’re more likely to be spread around. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. If you’ve recently thrown up, sneezed, or handled any other bodily fluid, sanitize your hands.
When diarrhea stops the child is free to return to school, as he or she is no longer contagious to others. Your school, however, may require a doctor’s note to return, but that is specific to school policy.
Many people like to drink a plain carbonated beverage, such as lemon-lime soda, to treat their nausea. Others advocate the use of ginger to calm nausea. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If you vomit, you usually don’t need any immediate treatment. However, you may need anti-vomiting therapy if you have electrolyte disturbances or nausea induced by chemotherapy.
There are different opinions as to whether it is better to let the viral illness “out” or to stop it with constipating anti-diarrheal agents. Most doctors agree that anti-diarrhea medications can make the symptoms last longer. Consult your doctor before taking one.
If you are losing a fair amount of fluids and your diarrhea is severe, you should see your physician. They will help determine if you are only suffering from viral gastroenteritis and begin treatment. There are other illnesses, such as bacterial infections, parasitic causes, or an intolerance to lactose or sorbitol that could also be causing your illness. [9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If an over-the-counter pain reliever is not handling the pain, seek treatment from a medical professional.
Sports drinks (such as Gatorade) will rehydrate you and replenish electrolytes, although unlike the options available at a pharmacy they are not guaranteed to give you all the electrolytes you need. [12] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Do not give sugary sports drinks to young children. Make your own oral rehydration solution. If you’re struggling to stay hydrated or you can’t leave the house to buy an electrolyte solution at the pharmacy, make your own. Mix 4. 25 cups (1 litre) of clean water, 6 tsp (30 ml) of sugar, and 0. 5 tsp (2. 5 ml) of salt, and drink as much as you can.
Bananas will pull double duty in providing bland nutrition and in being rich in potassium, which will counter diarrheal losses. Rice is bland and even nauseated folks can keep this down. You may want to try rice water, mixed with a bit of sugar, but this is still anecdotal. Applesauce is also bland and sweet, tends to be tolerated, even if a teaspoon every 30 minutes. This requires patience, especially if treating children, as they may often only tolerate small sips or spoonfuls. You want to stick to small amounts, as large amounts will trigger vomiting, thereby countering your efforts. Toast is a bland source of carbohydrates that most can keep down. If all else fails, eat baby food. Commercially-produced baby food is meant to be gentle on the stomach, easily digestible, and loaded with vitamins and nutrients. Give it a shot if you can’t keep anything else down.
Take naps. If you’re able to stay home from work or school, go ahead and take a nap in the afternoon if you feel tired. Don’t feel bad about being unproductive — sleeping is actually necessary for your body to repair itself and recover.
Stay near a bathroom. If you can make it to the toilet, flushing is a lot easier than having to clean a floor. Vomit into something you can clean easily. If you have a few large, dishwasher-safe mixing bowls that you use infrequently (or don’t plan to use ever again), consider keeping one with you throughout the day and when you go to sleep. Afterward, you can simply rinse out the contents in the sink, and wash it by hand or put it into the dishwasher.
Put a cool compress on your forehead. Wet a strip of cloth or a dishrag in cold water, and dampen it as often as you need to. Take a lukewarm shower or bath. Don’t worry about soaping up, just focus on cooling down.
Probiotics are safe but they have not been approved by the FDA.
