what is the best treatment for the stomach flu

Medication

Dec 09, 2021 · In most cases, people with viral gastroenteritis get better on their own without medical treatment. You can treat viral gastroenteritis by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. In some cases, over-the-counter medicines may help relieve your symptoms.

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Getting rest is one of the single best things you can for your body while you’re sick with the stomach flu. The more activity you perform, the longer it’s going to take for you to feel better. By getting lots of rest, your body will be able to use its resources to fight off the virus.

Nutrition

Dec 15, 2021 · If your child is suffering from stomach flu, then hydration is the best way to treat them. It helps them get safely recovered with it. Also, you can prepare a rehydration solution at home by taking water, sugar, and salt in a desirable composition. One can choose the composition according to the age of your child.

What are some good home remedies for intestinal flu?

Dec 26, 2019 · Soothe your stomach with some ginger. “Some people use ginger to control their [stomach flu] symptoms,” notes Van Pham, DO, primary-care physician at MemorialCare Medical Group in Long Beach,...

What is the best medicine for stomach flu?

Jan 18, 2022 · It's best to use warm water and soap and to rub hands well for at least 20 seconds. Wash around cuticles, beneath fingernails and in the creases of the hands. Then rinse thoroughly. Carry sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer for times when soap and water aren't available. Use separate personal items around your home.

What are the best flu remedies?

Dec 03, 2021 · What is the treatment of stomach flu? Your doctor may prescribe an antiemetic such as promethazine, prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, or ondansetron to stop the nausea and vomiting. You can also try an over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication, such as loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). [ad_2] admin

What is the best home remedy for a stomach virus?

Jul 01, 2019 · Instead, try freshly grating ginger root into a soup or brewing it in tea to potentially relieve nausea during the stomach flu. Summary Many studies support using ginger to reduce nausea, but more...

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What is the fastest way to get rid of the stomach flu?

Lifestyle and home remediesLet your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water often. ... Ease back into eating. ... Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. ... Get plenty of rest. ... Try anti-diarrhea medications.Jan 18, 2022

What is best medicine for stomach flu?

Your doctor may prescribe an antiemetic such as promethazine, prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, or ondansetron to stop the nausea and vomiting. You can also try an over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication, such as loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

How long does a stomach virus flu last?

Stomach flu (viral enteritis) is an infection in the intestines. It has an incubation period of 1 to 3 days, during which no symptoms occur. Once symptoms appear, they usually last for 1 to 2 days, although symptoms may linger for as long as 10 days. This can be especially true for older people.

How long does it take to recover from a stomach virus?

Stomach flu rarely lasts longer than 1 to 3 days. However, it may be 1 to 2 weeks before your bowel habits are completely back to normal. Dehydration is a potentially serious complication of stomach flu. It can happen if your body loses too much fluid because you keep vomiting or having diarrhea.

Do you need antibiotics for stomach flu?

Doctors don't prescribe antibiotics link to treat viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics don't work for viral infections. In some cases, your doctor may recommend probiotics link. Probiotics are live microbes, most often bacteria, that are like the ones you normally have in your digestive tract.

Is Ginger Ale Good for stomach flu?

Ginger can be a spice in meals. People with stomach flu can consume ginger by taking ginger capsules, drinking ginger ale, or chewing a piece of ginger.

How do you get rid of a bacterial infection in your stomach?

Most cases of bacterial gastroenteritis will usually clear up within a week. People with bacterial gastroenteritis should drink plenty of fluids and get as much rest as possible. They should also avoid contact with other people and practice good hygiene to avoid spreading the infection.

How do I know if my stomach pain is serious?

If you experience any of the following symptoms with stomach pain, see a doctor because these may be a sign of a more serious condition:Pain is severe and lasts more than an hour or comes and goes for more than 24 hours.Pain starts suddenly.Bloody bowel movements.Black, tarry stool.Diarrhea.Vomiting.More items...•Oct 20, 2020

What are the symptoms of stomach flu in adults?

SymptomsWatery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection.Nausea, vomiting or both.Stomach cramps and pain.Occasional muscle aches or headache.Low-grade fever.Jan 18, 2022

Will a probiotic help with stomach bug?

Many parents give their kids probiotics when they get stomach bugs. But do these supplements really help curb the vomiting and diarrhea? The answer — at least for two popular probiotics — appears to be: No. "We have shown in two very large and rigorous studies that these particular probiotics do not work.Nov 21, 2018

How do you get rid of a stomach virus in 24 hours?

How to treat the 24-hour flu at homeDrink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids lost from diarrhea and vomiting. ... Eat plain or bland foods that are less likely to irritate your stomach. ... Rest up. ... Use an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-vomiting or anti-diarrheal medication.More items...•Nov 19, 2018

How to treat stomach flu?

Treating the Stomach Flu. Get Plenty of Fluids. As you’ve probably already surmised, the stomach flu causes you to lose a lot of fluid, which is why it’s necessary to keep your fluid intake high throughout the course of your illness. Between throwing up and sitting on the toilet, you’re going to be sweating a lot, too.

What foods can you eat to help with stomach flu?

Each of these foods is ideal for the stomach flu, as they are easy to digest while providing your body with the nutrients it needs while you are sick. Bananas, for example, are an excellent source of potassium, which is lost when you throw up or have diarrhea.

What happens when you get the stomach flu?

When the stomach flu first strikes, it’ll sometimes begin with some chills and a fever, though nausea and vomiting is the most common start. Although not ideal, these symptoms aren’t the worst thing that could happen to you. Some people are capable of functioning just fine at the very beginning of the stomach flu.

How old do you have to be to take Flu Fix?

Even better, Flu Fix is safe for children as young as 3 years of age. Adults and kids over 12 should chew 2 of the chewable organic tablets, while kids between the ages of 3 and 11 should chew only 1 tablet. Additionally, Genexa’s Probiotics for Infants can help, too.

How to keep fluids down during stomach flu?

If that’s the case, try putting an ice cube in your mouth, gradual ly sipping it as it melts.

Can stomach flu cause nausea?

Some people are capable of functioning just fine at the very beginning of the stomach flu. However, it is often short-lived, as what follows is the stuff nightmares are made of. Your nausea soon turns into full-fledged vomiting, and your fever and chills get the company of incredible aches and pains.

Can stomach flu keep you in bed?

When you get the stomach flu, you know it. Unlike the regular flu, which is challenging enough, the stomach flu includes vicious symptoms that can keep you between your bed and the bathroom for days. When the stomach flu strikes, it typically begins with symptoms that are at least manageable. However, they soon transition into symptoms ...

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 long can you pass stomach flu?

“Even after you recover from diarrhea and other symptoms, you can still pass [the stomach flu] on to others for 2 to 3 more weeks ,” Dr. Pham cautions.

What is the best medicine for stomach cramps?

6. Pop Tylenol for stomach cramps. “Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often recommended for the stomach flu, unless you have liver disease,” Dr. Sonpal notes, since it relieves aches, has fewer side effects than ibuprofen, and is less likely to irritate your stomach.

What is the best medication for diarrhoea?

Try some anti-diarrhea meds. Over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication, like loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), can provide some short-term relief, but “check with your doctor before trying OTC options,” cautions Dr. Sonpal.

How long after a fever can you see blood in your stool?

If more than four days have passed and you're still experiencing the awful symptoms, call your doctor. This is especially true if you can’t keep down any food or water, are running a fever, have severe abdominal pain, or notice blood in your stool. If that’s the case, “seek help immediately,” says Dr. Pham.

How to get rid of norovirus?

1. Drink lots of fluids—but not just water. The risk of dehydration is a big deal when you have norovirus.

What to do if you can't keep down?

You may need IV hydration. 2. Get lots of rest.

Does Tylenol help with stomach flu?

“Acetaminophen ( Tylenol) is often recommended for the stomach flu, unless you have liver disease,” Dr. Sonpal notes, since it relieves aches, has fewer side effects than ibuprofen, and is less likely to irritate your stomach.

What is the difference between the flu and gastroenteritis?

Real flu (influenza) affects only your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms, such as: Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection. Abdominal cramps and pain.

How to prevent gastroenteritis in children?

Given to children in the first year of life, the vaccine appears to be effective in preventing severe symptoms of this illness. Wash your hands thoroughly .

How do you get viral gastroenteritis?

The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu —is through contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water. If you're otherwise healthy, you'll likely recover without complications. But for infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems, ...

What is the main complication of viral gastroenteritis?

The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration — a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals. If you're healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn't be a problem.

What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms, such as: Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection. Abdominal cramps and pain. Nausea, vomiting or both. Occasional muscle aches or headache.

What is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children?

Rotavirus. Worldwide, this is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children, who are usually infected when they put their fingers or other objects contaminated with the virus into their mouths. The infection is most severe in infants and young children.

What is the name of the organ that processes food?

The stomach, small intestine and large intestine (colon) are part of your digestive tract, which processes the foods you eat. Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation of these organs caused by a virus.

How to help nausea from stomach flu?

Instead, try freshly grating ginger root into a soup or brewing it in tea to potentially relieve nausea during the stomach flu. Summary. Many studies support using ginger to reduce nausea, but more research is needed on using this herb to reduce nausea during the stomach flu specifically. 6.

What foods can you eat with stomach flu?

14. Plain potatoes. Bland foods like plain potatoes are great options when you have the stomach flu.

What are the symptoms of stomach flu?

The primary symptoms of the stomach flu include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, and abdominal pain ( 2 ). Fortunately, some foods and beverages may help settle your stomach, prevent further complications, and help you bounce back faster. Here are 17 foods and drinks for when you have the stomach flu. Share on Pinterest. 1.

What foods can you eat to replenish electrolytes?

Until you’re able to tolerate your usual diet, bland options like soups, refined grains, and plain potatoes are safe. Eggs, fruit, and low-fat poultry may also be easier to digest.

What to eat when you have diarrhea?

6. Broth-based soups. When experiencing diarrhea, the American College of Gastroenterology recommends broth and broth-based soups as a first choice when transitioning back to eating ( 24 ). Broth-based soups have a very high water content, which can help with hydration during a bout of stomach flu.

What fruits have the highest water content?

Beverages aren’t the only option for hydration. In fact, many fruits are 80–90% water. The following are some of the fruits highest in water ( 37, 38, 39, 40 ): 1 watermelon 2 strawberries 3 cantaloupe 4 peaches

Does peppermint tea help with stomach flu?

Peppermint tea may help relieve stomach flu symptoms . In fact, just the smell of peppermint may reduce nausea ( 15. Trusted Source. ). In one study in 26 people who experienced nausea after surgery, smelling peppermint oil while doing deep breathing exercises relieved nausea in 58% of participants ( 16.

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Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment

• Your doctor will likely diagnose viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) based on symptoms, a physical exam and sometimes on the presence of similar cases in your community. A rapid stool test can detect rotavirus or norovirus, but there are no quick tests for other viruses that cause gastroenteritis. In some cases, your doctor may have you submit a stool sample to rule out a po…

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