what is the best treatment for stomach bug

What is the stomach bug?

Viral gastroenteritis (“stomach flu” or “stomach bug”) is a viral infection of the stomach and intestines that causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and abdominal cramping.

How long does it take for stomach flu to go away?

Stomach flu treatment options. Most cases of viral gastroenteritis resolve on their own, typically in one to three days, depending on the virus. Treatment of viral gastroenteritis focuses entirely on managing symptoms, particularly dehydration.

What is the cause of stomach flu?

Several different viruses can cause stomach flu, but nine in ten cases are caused by norovirus. Rotavirus is usually the culprit when young children come down with stomach flu, but rotavirus vaccines have drastically reduced the incidence in the United States.

How to stop nausea and vomiting?

Antiemetics (anti-nausea medications agents) reduce nausea and vomiting by slowing down the part of the brain responsible for nausea and the vomiting reflex. For mild gastroenteritis, over-the-counter antiemetics such as dimenhydrinate or meclizine are usually sufficient to keep nausea and vomiting in check.

How do antiemetics work?

Antiemetics work by affecting a part of the brain involved with nausea and vomiting, so drowsiness, lightheadedness, sleepiness, restlessness, and agitation are the most common side effects . Dry mouth is a common complaint.

How long does norovirus last?

It can survive extreme heat, freezing cold, withstand many disinfectants, and survive on surfaces for up to two weeks. For this reason, norovirus is responsible for over half of all foodborne outbreaks. About 21 million people in the United States get sick and nearly 800 people die from norovirus infection each year.

How to know if you have gastroenteritis?

Symptoms of gastroenteritis usually start suddenly (or ‘acutely’, hence the term ‘acute gastroenteritis’), coming on in one or two hours. In addition to how quickly symptoms started, a healthcare provider will want to know: 1 How long have you had symptoms? 2 Do other people you know have similar complaints? 3 Did you eat anything unusual recently, such as raw foods? 4 Did you travel recently, especially outside the country?

What is the stomach bug?

Viral gastroenteritis, sometimes called a “stomach bug” or the “ stomach flu ” is a viral infection of the stomach and intestines that can cause diarrhea and vomiting .

How long does it take for stomach bug symptoms to go away?

Most people don’t need medical treatment and symptoms will go away on their own within a few days, though in some people symptoms may last up to 10 days.

How do you know if you have a stomach bug?

Other symptoms of a stomach bug (viral gastroenteritis) include: Fever. Headache. Muscle aches. Abdominal pain or cramping. Loss of appetite. Dehydration, caused by loss of fluids from diarrhea and/or vomiting. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening.

How long does it take for loperamide to stop diarrhea?

Adults under age 65 who have diarrhea, no fever, and no blood in the stool may take loperamide (Imodium) to stop diarrhea for 1 to 2 days. Adults over age 65, or patients who have a fever or blood in the stool should not take loperamide without first talking to their doctor.

When do stomach bugs peak?

Viral gastroenteritis peaks in the winter and spring when these viruses are most actively spreading in the community. The viruses that cause stomach bugs are spread from person to person by: Touching an infected person. Touching a surface with the virus on it. Consuming foods or drinks with the virus in them.

How to stop diarrhea from eating?

Avoid drinks with a lot of sugar, such as juices and sodas, which can worsen diarrhea. If you can keep food down: Eat mild, bland foods such as rice and bananas. If you can tolerate it, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may be consumed. Avoid foods with a lot of fat and sugar, which can aggravate symptoms.

Can antibiotics help with gastroenteritis?

Antibiotics are not used to treat viral gastroenteritis since it is caused by viruses , and antibiotics are only used to treat infections caused by bacteria. While medical treatment is often not needed, there may be ways you can help relieve symptoms more quickly. Drink adequate fluids to prevent dehydration.

How to treat stomach bugs?

When treating stomach bugs, the best solution may be the simplest one. If you’ve got a vomiting kid, you don’t need to rush out to the drugstore and buy those oral rehydration solutions. Just add some water to the juice you have in the refrigerator, and you’re all set. That’s the bottom line of a study published in JAMA ...

How to help a child who is vomiting?

When children are vomiting, give them little bits at a time (an ounce or two) to be sure it stays down. Sometimes kids will be thirsty and want to take more — but their stomach can’t handle it yet. Keep giving the small amounts until they are keeping fluids down.

Why is apple juice bad for kids?

The children that got apple juice were less likely to need intravenous fluids or end up back in the emergency room. There are a few reasons why doctors have recommended the special solutions. The major reason is that they worry that fluids that have a lot of sugar in them, like juice or Gatorade, can worsen diarrhea.

Can a child get stomach flu?

But for the average child sick with stomach flu who has only mild dehydrat ion, these aren’t big worries. Those kids generally do just fine as long as they get fluids into them — pretty much any fluids.

Is the CDC relaxed?

The CDC has relaxed some prevention measures, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated, and especially outdoors. Meanwhile, scientists continue to explore treatments and to keep an eye on viral variants. Stay Informed. View Coronavirus COVID-19 Resource Center.

Can you give pedialyte to kids?

Solutions like Pedialyte are not familiar to most children — and while they don’t taste bad, they can have an odd taste that many children don’t like. Here are some important tips when giving fluids to children with vomiting and diarrhea: Start with clear fluids, like the diluted apple juice used in the study.

How to recover from a stomach bug?

Most people recover from a stomach bug without any medical treatment. Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes can help prevent dehydration. Many people lose their appetite when they have a stomach bug, and they may find it difficult to keep liquids down. Sipping them slowly can help people stay hydrated.

How to prevent stomach bug transmission?

Washing the hands thoroughly with soap and water, cleaning surfaces with bleach disinfectants, and washing contaminated laundry immediately can help prevent the transmission of stomach bugs. If a person has a stomach bug, they must maintain their fluid intake to ensure that they do not become dehydrated.

What is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute viral gastroenteritis?

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute viral gastroenteritis among people of all ages in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source. . Rotavirus and adenovirus mainly affect children under the age of 2 years.

What is the difference between food poisoning and stomach bug?

People often ask what the difference is between food poisoning and a stomach bug. Although a person can get sick with a viral stomach bug due to contaminated food or water, the term “food poisoning” commonly refers to foodborne illnesses resulting from bacteria, parasites, or toxins that these organisms release when food goes bad.

How long after stomach bug can you eat?

Someone who has or has recently had a stomach bug should not prepare food for anyone else for at least 2 days after their symptoms go away. People who work in restaurants, care facilities, schools, and other crowded places should avoid work for at least 2 days after their symptoms resolve.

How do stomach bugs spread?

The virus spreads through contact with small particles of the vomit or feces of a person with the infection. Someone can become infected if they: consume food or drink that the virus has contaminated.

How long does gastroenteritis last?

stomach pain. fever. headache. body aches. People usually develop symptoms 12–48 hours after exposure to the virus. Many people only experience these symptoms for 24 hours, but it is not uncommon for 24-hour stomach bugs to last longer than 1 day. In adults, a case of viral gastroenteritis typically lasts 1–3 days.

What is the best medicine for stomach bug?

A flavorful spice which contributes a great deal to the home remedies for stomach bug is cinnamon. The powerful antibacterial properties of cinnamon help to get rid of those foreign invaders, but it also has properties that help get rid of aches, pains and chills to bring some symptomatic relief.

How to cure stomach bug?

Apple Cider Vinegar. When discussing home remedies for stomach bug, apple cider vinegar should be an vital part of the conversation. The abundance of pectin in apple cider vine gar helps to reduce gas, vomiting and nausea and also helps to bring soothing to the ache.

What herbs help with stomach pain?

Few herbs have a greater soothing effect on your stomach than chamomile tea. Chamomile tea has both anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties which provide a calming effect for a stomach which has been in turmoil.

What are some good foods to eat to help with stomach bug?

14. Crackers and Pretzels. Among the best home remedies for stomach bug recovery are crackers and pretzels. The saltiness of these snacks help your body to retain fluids and also help to replenish lost electrolytes, not to mention that they are bland foods which are easier for you to keep down. What to Do.

How long does a stomach bug last?

With most stomach bug cases, you can expect to find that the stomach bug will run its course for about two to three days.

What are the symptoms of a stomach bug?

When it comes to the symptoms of the stomach bug, you can expect to find everything from watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, body aches, and vomiting. Temporary feelings of nauseous throughout the day may be present but some people will not ever actually feel it.

Why do we use lemons in cleaning products?

The reason why lemons are often made use of in cleaning solutions is because they have a cleansing effect . That cleansing, along with the vitamin C found in lemons, is antimicrobial for killing off pathogens and giving your immune system a boost.

How to prevent stomach flu?

If you know the stomach flu is going around, take extra precautions. Avoid close contact with infected people if possible and wash your hands frequently. Some basic ways to avoid getting the stomach flu (and illness in general) include washing your hands regularly and getting plenty of rest.

What to not drink during stomach flu?

What not to drink. Most likely, you won’t be in the mood for these during a bout of stomach flu anyway, but avoid: caffeinated drinks like coffee, strong black tea, and chocolate, which can affect your sleep at a time when getting enough rest is crucial. alcohol, which acts as a diuretic.

How long is the stomach flu contagious?

And even after you’ve recovered from your symptoms, you can remain contagious for up to two weeks. Children can remain contagious for an even longer period afterward.

How to get rid of nausea from P-6?

These can be useful in treating nausea if the P-6 acupressure point gives you relief. 4. Get plenty of rest. When you have the stomach flu, your body needs rest in order to fight off the infection. Get plenty of sleep and reduce the amount of activity you normally do during the day.

What causes stomach flu?

Causes of the stomach flu. The stomach flu (also known as gastroenteritis) is usually caused by any number of different viruses that can attack your gastrointestinal system. It’s not caused by the influenza virus, which gives you the seasonal flu.

What are the best foods to digest?

These four foods are easy to digest, contain carbohydrates to give you energy, and replenish nutrients: Bananas: Bananas are easy to digest, can replace the potassium you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, and strengthens stomach lining. Rice: White rice is easy for your body to process and provides energy from carbs.

What is the best medicine for nausea?

Your doctor may prescribe an antiemetic such as promethazine, prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, or ondansetron to stop the nausea and vomiting.

How to help a child with an intestinal infection?

When your child has an intestinal infection, the most important goal is to replace lost fluids and salts. These suggestions may help: Help your child rehydrate. Give your child an oral rehydration solution, available at pharmacies without a prescription. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about how to use it.

How to get rid of nausea from eating?

Drink plenty of liquid every day, taking small, frequent sips. Ease back into eating. Gradually begin to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as soda crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken. Stop eating if your nausea returns. Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better.

What to do when your child is sick?

If your child is sick, follow the same approach — offer plenty of fluids and bland food. If you're breast-feeding or using formula, continue to feed your child as usual. Ask your child's doctor if giving your child an oral rehydration solution, available without a prescription at pharmacies, would help.

What to avoid when you have a syphilis?

Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. These include dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods. Get plenty of rest. The illness and dehydration may have made you weak and tired. Be cautious with medications.

How long should you let your baby rest after vomiting?

They can make it harder for your child's body to eliminate the virus. If you have a sick infant, let your baby's stomach rest for 15 to 20 minutes after vomiting or a bout of diarrhea, then offer small amounts of liquid. If you're breast-feeding, let your baby nurse.

Can sugary foods cause diarrhea?

Don't give your child dairy products or sugary foods, such as ice cream, sodas and candy. These can make diarrhea worse. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. The illness and dehydration may have made your child weak and tired.

Can you treat viral gastroenteritis with antibiotics?

There's often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren't effective against viruses, and overusing them can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Treatment initially consists of self-care measures.

How to help someone with stomach flu?

Wash laundry of those recovering from the stomach flu in different loads than the rest of your family. Keep your distance. Try to keep your children, especially newborns, away from anyone who is sick. If someone in your family is sick, stay home and do not go to work, school or day care.

How to protect against gastroenteritis?

Miller offers these tips to protect against the viral infections that cause gastroenteritis: Immunize little ones. Infants can be immunized with the rotavirus vaccine. This is offered at 2, 4 and 6 months old during well-child visits. Simply wash your hands. Wash your hands often to stop the spread of germs.

How long does the stomach flu last?

Symptoms can start as little as 12 hours after exposure.”. These symptoms can last anywhere from one to 14 days, and unfortunately, the stomach flu is extremely contagious.

What is the stomach flu?

Stomach Flu Symptoms. Miller says it’s easy to get confused about the difference between influenza, or “the flu,” and gastroenteritis, better known as “the stomach flu.”. The stomach flu is caused by a number of viruses, mainly norovirus, which accounts for more than 50 percent of all cases, and others, like rotavirus.

How to stop germs from spreading?

Simply wash your hands. Wash your hands often to stop the spread of germs. Hand sanitizer works after being in public as well. Give your home the once-over. Use household cleaning products to disinfect surfaces and objects, like countertops, doorknobs, handles, sinks, toilets, computer keyboards and phones.

What is the best drink to drink for dehydration?

You’ll need to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. In addition to water, older children and adults can drink sports drinks, like Gatorade, Power Aid, while babies and young children can have an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte.

What happens if you eat something you can recall?

If you can recall eating something questionable, or if others who ate the same thing as you and have similar symptoms, you probably have food poisoning. If you are the only one who got sick, you more than likely picked up a viral illness,” Miller says.

What is the best thing to drink if you have a stomach virus?

Drink small sips of water, clear broth, sports drinks (without caffeine), or rehydration solutions. You can also try sucking on ice chips.

Is a stomach virus contagious?

Yes, a stomach virus is contagious, and you can get it from another person’s unwashed hands, from contaminated surfaces, or from food or drink that contains the virus.

How long does a stomach virus last?

Uncomplicated stomach viruses are self-limiting in most people, and it will usually clear up on its own in 24 hours to one week.

Are the stomach flu and stomach virus the same thing?

The stomach virus is not a “stomach flu”, although you may hear it called by this name.