What To Take For Stomach Flu

Stomach Flu And Children

Children can get dehydrated quickly, so if your child has the stomach flu, it’s important that you look for signs that they are very thirsty or has dry skin or a dry mouth. If you have a baby, look for fewer, drier diapers.

Keep children with gastroenteritis out of day care or school until all symptoms are gone. Check with your doctor before giving your child any medicine. Drugs used to control diarrhea and vomiting aren’t usually given to children younger than 5.

To help prevent rotavirus — the most common cause of stomach flu for children — there are two vaccines that can be given to infants. Talk to your doctor about the vaccines.

Simplifying Your Diet Will Help You Cure Gastroenteritis

Keep your diet down to clear liquids for the first 24 hours . If you feel better after 24 hours, then you can move on to foods like white rice, white bread, apple sauce, and bananas. Try to avoid citrus, greasy foods, dairy and tomato products, alcohol, coffee, and carbonated drinks. In other words, dont go to McDonalds.

Is There A Cure For Viral Gastroenteritis

There is no cure, however almost all people who get viral gastroenteritis recover completely without any long-term problems. The most important thing to do for people with viral gastroenteritis is prevent severe loss of fluids . This treatment should begin at home. Your physician may give you specific instructions about what kinds of fluids to give. Medications, including antibiotics and other treatments, should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a physician.

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How Do People Get Viral Gastroenteritis

People can become infected by eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their mouth. Food and water may be contaminated by sewage. Food may be contaminated by food preparers or handlers who have viral gastroenteritis, especially if they do not wash their hands regularly after using the bathroom.

How Long Does The Stomach Flu Last

Most cases of viral gastroenteritis resolve on their own. A norovirus infection typically lasts one to three days, but rotavirus gastroenteritis can take up to a week to clear. Viral gastroenteritis caused by adenovirus or astrovirus holds on longer, typically taking five to 12 days to resolve. Gastroenteritis that lasts longer than two weeks, or chronic gastroenteritis, is usually due to a bacterial or parasite infection.

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How Can I Take Care Of Myself

• Rest your stomach and intestines by following the suggested guidelines for your diet during the illness, but make sure you prevent dehydration by drinking enough liquids. Drink just small amounts or sips while you are having vomiting.
• Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines without checking first with your healthcare provider.
• Your symptoms are getting worse.
• You keep having severe symptoms for more than 1 or 2 days, or you are just not getting better after a few days.
• You start having symptoms that are not usually caused by stomach flu, such as blood in your vomit, bloody diarrhea, or severe abdominal pain.

How Long Does Stomach Flu Last

The stomach flu usually lasts less than a week. Be sure to stay home if you have symptoms, and continue to practice good handwashing afterward. The virus can still be in your stool for up to two weeks after youve stopped having symptoms, so be extra careful with your bathroom habits. Always wash your hands after having a bowel movement, and wash any soiled fabrics in hot soapy water.

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Stomach Virus Signs Symptoms And Treatments

Tessa Chatham Registered Nurse

Tessa Chatham Registered Nurse

Tessa is a MSN prepared Registered Nurse with 10 years of critical care experience in healthcare. When not practicing clinical nursing, she enjoys academic writing and is passionate about helping those affected by medical aliments live healthy lives.

Dr. Katalin Karolyi

Dr. Katalin Karolyi

Katalin Karolyi, M.D. earned her medical degree at the University of Debrecen. After completing her residency program in pathology at the Kenezy Hospital, she obtained a postdoctoral position at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida.

How To Treat The Stomach Flu

Some additional ways to treat the stomach flu are: Heating pad: Use one on the abdomen to relieve cramping Probiotics: This can help with diarrhea. Yogurt contains probiotics. Opt for low fat or fat free, if you can keep dairy down.Zinc supplements: This helps reduce the severity and duration of the stomach flu.

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How Long Does A Stomach Virus Last

Depending on the type of stomach virus you are infected with, symptoms may appear 1 to 3 days after you are exposed to the virus. Symptoms of a stomach virus vary from mild to severe and can last anywhere from 1 to 10 days.

Stomach viruses are not the same as bacterial infections. It is important not to confuse diarrhea that is caused by a virus from diarrhea that is caused by bacteria. Diarrhea can be caused by the following types of bacteria:

• Clostridium difficile
• E. coli
• Parasites such as Giardia

Most stomach viruses last 2 to 10 days and can vary in severity and symptoms. Types of viruses that cause stomach viruses include:

• Norovirus

Best Probiotic To Take After Stomach Bug

The most important consideration is that youve chosen a probiotic company who can deliver safe and effective products. However, now that you know the importance of the company you choose, which probiotic is best after the stomach flu or a stomach bug?

Our top recommendation is called Healthy Trinity, which is a convenient and comprehensive three in one probiotic. When you choose Healthy Trinity, youre getting a minimum of 30 billion colony forming units of three potent, super strains of healthy bacteria. This probiotic can help you optimize your health and support your digestive system.

Healthy Trinity works in the small intestine, large intestine, and entire digestive tract to give you the best chance at returning your balance of gut bacteria to a good and healthy one. You can learn more about Healthy Trinity and our family of probiotics here.

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Whats The Difference Between Stomach Flu Food Poisoning And Seasonal Flu

Stomach flu isnt the same thing as food poisoning, which often occurs within hours of ingesting a contaminated substance. Food poisoning has similar symptoms to stomach flu. Symptoms of food poisoning usually last for one to two days.

Stomach flu isnt the same as seasonal flu, which causes coldlike symptoms that typically last one to two weeks.

What Are The Symptoms Of Gastroenteritis

Symptoms may develop within one to a few days after infection range from mild to severe.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis vary but may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Poor feeding in infants
• Tiredness and general body weakness.

Symptoms usually last one to two days but may persist for up to ten days. Ring your doctor for advice first before going in for an appointment if you are worried about your condition as it as gastroenteritis is very contagious and you could risk spreading it.

Always talk to your doctor if your symptoms have lasted longer than five days or have got worse, not better, if there is blood or pus in your stools, if your abdominal pain is constant, or if you develop significant signs of dehydration such as extreme thirst, dark or strong-smelling urine or passing only small amounts of urine, dry lips and mouth, and a lack of tears, your skin doesnt retract back when pinched, or feel very lethargic.

Infants are particularly prone to dehydration and you should seek further advice if their nappies have been dry for longer than 4 to 6 hours or they develop a sunken fontanel .

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How Does Viral Gastroenteritis Spread

Viral gastroenteritis spreads from person to person through contact with an infected persons stool or vomit.

If you have viral gastroenteritis, viruses will be present in your stool and vomit. You may spread the virus in small bits of stool or vomit, especially if you dont wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and

• touch surfaces or objects used by other people
• prepare or serve foods and drinks for other people
• shake hands with or touch another person

Infected people who do not have symptoms can still spread viruses. For example, norovirus may be found in your stool before you have symptoms and up to 2 weeks after you recover.2

Norovirus is especially contagious, meaning that it spreads easily from person to person. Norovirus can live for months on surfaces such as countertops and changing tables. When an infected person vomits, the virus may become airborne and land on surfaces or on another person.

Viral gastroenteritis may spread in households, day care centers and schools, nursing homes, cruise ships, restaurants, and other places where people gather in groups.

If water comes into contact with stools of infected people, the water may become contaminated with a virus. The contaminated water can spread the virus to foods or drinks, and people who consume these foods or drinks may become infected. People who swim in contaminated water may also become infected.

How Is Gastroenteritis Treated

The main treatment for gastroenteritis is rest, fluids, and limiting your diet for a few days while you have symptoms. For example:

• Limit your intake of solid foods
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and dairy products
• Stop smoking or using products containing nicotine
• Avoid sugary, fatty or highly seasoned foods, instead eat bland, dry foods such as crackers, toast, rice or potatoes
• Take frequent small sips of liquid
• Avoid taking medications that may irritate your stomach further such as NSAIDs . Acetaminophen may be used instead, but sparingly
• Continue breastfeeding if your baby has gastroenteritis and talk to your doctor about offering them rehydration solutions or regular formula.

Consider anti-diarrhea medications to slow the diarrhea

Antibiotics are generally not given for most cases of gastroenteritis because they are ineffective if a virus is the cause and contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

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Trusted Gastroenteritis Treatment In The Bay Area

Most cases of stomach flu go away with home care measures within a couple of days. Gradually reintroduce food by starting with foods that are easy to digest. Examples include bananas, potatoes, rice, toast, and crackers. Severe cases of stomach flu may require treatment in a Dignity Health hospital. Stomach flu treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. This means replacing electrolytes and drinking plenty of fluids. Sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of liquid can help when vomiting or nausea prevents drinking large amounts. Broths, rehydration solutions, and sports drinks are good choices. Avoid caffeinated drinks. Adults can use over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicines, but children should not. Antibiotics do not work on viruses, so they are not used in the treatment of stomach flu. The best way to prevent stomach flu is to wash your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Talk to your Dignity Health doctor about ways to stay healthy and avoid the stomach flu. Dignity Health provides high-quality emergency care for stomach flu in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Redwood City.

What Kinds Of Viruses Cause Viral Gastroenteritis

Many different viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis. The most common causes of viral gastroenteritis include

• norovirus. Norovirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis. Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after you come into contact with the virus and last 1 to 3 days.2
• rotavirus. Symptoms usually begin about 2 days after you come into contact with the virus and last for 3 to 8 days.3Vaccines can prevent rotavirus infection.
• adenovirus. Symptoms typically begin 3 to 10 days after you come into contact with the virus and last 1 to 2 weeks.4
• astrovirus. Symptoms typically begin 4 to 5 days after you come into contact with the virus and last 1 to 4 days.5,6

Norovirus causes infections in people of all ages. Rotavirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus most often infect infants and young children, but they can also infect adults.

Viruses may cause viral gastroenteritis any time of the year. In the United States, norovirus, rotavirus, and astrovirus are more likely to cause infections in the winter.

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Ut University Health Services

• loss of appetite
• muscle aches

The illness may develop over a period of hours, or it may suddenly start with stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Some bacteria, parasites, medicines, or other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms. If your symptoms are unusually severe or last longer than a few days, your healthcare provider can determine if the diarrhea is caused by something other than a virus.

How Long Are You Contagious

Stomach flu can be very contagious. The amount of time youre contagious is determined by the type of virus you have. Norovirus is the most common cause of stomach flu. People with stomach flu caused by norovirus become contagious as soon as they start to have symptoms and remain contagious for several days afterward.

Norovirus can last in stool for two weeks or longer. This makes it possible for caregivers who change diapers to become infected unless they take precautions such as immediate hand washing.

Rotavirus is the leading cause of stomach flu in infants, toddlers, and children. Stomach flu caused by rotavirus is contagious during the incubation period that precedes symptoms.

People infected with this virus continue to be contagious for up to two weeks after theyve recovered.

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Stomach Flu Vs Food Poisoning: What Is The Difference

Food poisoning and Stomach Flu often get confused as they are both related to gastrointestinal issues. However, there are differences between the two. If you come down with a food poisoning or stomach flu episode, it is vital to know the difference between these two conditions rather than treating them as the same thing.

What To Do If You Have Norovirus

If you experience sudden diarrhoea and/or vomiting, the best thing to do is to stay at home until you’re feeling better.

There’s no treatment for norovirus, so you have to let it run its course.

You don’t usually need to get medical advice unless there’s a risk of a more serious problem.

To help ease your own or your childs symptoms drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

You need to drink more than usual to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea as well as water, adults could also try fruit juice and soup.

Avoid giving fizzy drinks or fruit juice to children as it can make their diarrhoea worse. Babies should continue to feed as usual, either with breast milk or other milk feeds.

You can also:

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What Is The Best Medication For The Stomach Flu

Medications only treat stomach flu symptoms, but most people can endure a bout of stomach flu without medications. There is, then, no best medication for stomach flu, only a combination of drugs that decreases the risk of complications, reduces discomfort, and has a minimum of unpleasant side effects.

Many of the standard dosages above are from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health . Dosage is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.

Nobody Likes Getting Sick But There Is An Exceptional Dissatisfaction For When The Stomach Flu Hits The Stomach Flu Hits Hard And Delivers Is Own Brutal Mix Of Symptoms Often Rendering You Nonfunctional And Miserable For Days In Your Misery You Will Probably Wonder What On Earth You Can Do To Feel Better And Thats What We Are Here To Tell You

What is the Stomach Flu?Whats often called stomach flu is gastroenteritis, an infection of the stomach and intestines. The initial stages start with chills, fever, and nausea, which transition into vomiting, diarrhea, and aches and pains. Its awful, and there is no cure. Stomach flu has to run its course. The sickness usually passes in about 10 days without medication. The first few days tend to be the worst, but you can take steps to help get through it.

Causes of the Stomach Flu?Gastroenteritis is usually caused by any number of different viruses that can attack your gastrointestinal system. Its not caused by the influenza virus, which gives you the seasonal flu. Less often, bacteria can cause it, typically due to contaminated water or food that was prepared inadequately or in an unhygienic environment. The stomach flu is contagious, so contact with someone who has contracted the virus

RecoveryWhile the stomach flu is definitely not a pleasant experience, most people make a full recovery without any complications. The first few days tend to be the worst, but you can take steps to help get through it:

3. Get plenty of restWhen 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. This means lounging on the couch when youre not in bed. While youre resting, your body is working hard to fight off the infection and repairing damage on the cellular level.

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