How to Treat the Stomach Flu?
The stomach flu is one of the most dreaded viruses and can wreak havoc on holidays. What is the stomach flu? How can we treat it? And when should you see your doctor for it?
It’s winter, and a wonderful time for some—also a great opportunity to remind ourselves of our many blessings. And for others, it’s not a happy time, as we are reminded of family members lost, or no family nearby or anywhere, for that matter. Depression rises this time of year. I am reminded of this every year around this time while seeing patients in the clinic. You don’t have to fight it alone: please ask your doctor for help.
Another unfortunate outcome of the winter months is viruses. They are rampant. Cold and flu everywhere you turn. Although we have covered these topics in depth in prior episodes, we cannot forget about the stomach flu.
Veronica came to see me for vomiting and diarrhea of three days. She cannot seem to shake it off and thought it was food poisoning at first. Food poisoning is often a 24-hour bug. When it lasts longer, it’s likely a different stomach bug.
My nurse had given Veronica a container while she was waiting for me, because she was vomiting the secretions from her stomach—she hasn’t eaten solids in three days, so there’s no food to regurgitate. In the middle of our visit, she had to run to the bathroom because she’s also been experiencing diarrhea.
I empathized with Veronica because I myself, along with my family that consists of preschool-aged twins, have battled the stomach flu many times over now. It is no picnic. Truthfully, I’d rather battle the common cold virus any day compared to these brutal gastrointestinal (GI) invaders. Akin to a war scene, they savagely invade and travel from host to host, leaving destruction for a time period along their path as they go.
What Is the Stomach Flu?
The fancy medical diagnosis to denote the stomach flu is “acute gastroenteritis.” “Gastro” refers to the GI tract, and “enteritis” the inflammation of the intestines. Therefore, acute gastroenteritis is an acute inflammation of the GI tract and is most commonly caused by viruses. The Norovirus, Rotavirus, and Adenovirus are the most popular viral villains exposed in the media.
These GI raiders are transmitted in two ways—from person-to-person and from contaminated foods. After exposure to the virus, symptoms develop within 1-2 days, and the illness last several days to two weeks. Food poisoning, on the other hand, begins within two hours of ingestion of the contaminated food and resolves within 24 hours.
The stomach flu creates havoc on the tummy by causing the following symptoms:
· Fever
· Body aches
· Fatigue
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Diarrhea
· Abdominal pain
In addition, it can occasionally accompany upper respiratory symptoms since certain viruses will attack both camps.
How can you treat the stomach flu? Keep reading for some tips.
6 Tips to Treat the Stomach Flu
Stomach viruses self-resolve without any treatment. Similar to upper respiratory viruses, once contracted, there is no choice but to allow it to run its course. Antibiotics only combat bacteria; they don’t do a thing for viruses.
Therefore, the treatment goal is to simply alleviate symptoms and avoid potential complications (such as dehydration). Here are six tips to help overcome the nasty stomach flu:
1. Stay home:
Please avoid people as much as possible—this includes your loved ones, that holiday work party, holiday shopping at the mall, and going to work. Otherwise, you will simply disseminate this nasty virus wherever you go. Please stay home.
2. Rehydrate:
If eating solids is not an appealing thought, it is unlikely to cause harm if you refrain temporarily. But vomiting and diarrhea both cause bodily fluid loss, and therefore drinking fluids is a necessity. A concoction of the low-sugar “G2 Gatorade” mixed with 50% water (other oral rehydration products) will help replace the lost fluids and electrolytes. Take small sips initially, and advance as tolerated.
3. Anti-emetics:
Vomiting is often the most dreaded symptom of the stomach flu. If it’s enough to keep you from retaining fluids, then ask your doctor for a prescription anti-nausea medication to help you fight. A formulation that dissolves under the tongue for those with vomiting may be a useful tool, otherwise the other option is an enema version because a pill that you swallow may not be effective if you regurgitate it several minutes later.
4. Anti-motility medications:
Over-the-counter Loperamide is used for symptomatic relief from diarrhea, albeit not without risk. Although rare, it can cause some serious side effects, including heart arrhythmias, intestinal obstruction, and a feared dilation of the colon termed “megacolon.” It should be considered only for distressful, often severe diarrhea, in patients under the age of 65, and for a maximum intake of 2 days. Even though it’s accessible without a prescription, a call to your doctor is wise before initiation.
5. BRAT diet:
Once you tolerate fluids, the next step is to reinitiate food. However, start small and slowly advance as tolerated. A bland BRAT diet, although not evidence-based, may be more tolerable. BRAT stands for Banana, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. Clear soups, broths, and crackers are other options. Avoid greasy, creamy, heavy, spicy foods.
6. Hand hygiene:
Be aware of your hands and what they come into contact with at all times. Wash your hands frequently. Do not touch your face and if you do, wash your hands right away. Family members should also wash their hands frequently. If you have shared space, such as an office or computer, disinfect the keyboard, mouse, and chair handles. Don’t forget about door handles, bathrooms, and shared toilet space. Hey, it may sound a tad obsessive-compulsive to some of you, but you may wish you had been more attentive once you find yourself sleeping on the floor by the toilet. Plus, the last thing you want to do is to pass on this horrid virus to your loved ones.
When to See Your Doctor
Despite being a self-resolving illness, there are certain instances when you should consider seeking medical care:
· Inability to tolerate fluids due to vomiting for prolonged time period
· Lightheaded or dizziness
· Low blood pressure or elevated heart rate
· Severe abdominal pain
· Age over 65
· Recent travel outside of the country, antibiotic use, or hospitalization
· Immune compromised state—diabetes, HIV, on chronic corticosteroids, or taking immune suppressant medications, etc.
· Illness lasting over one week
Here’s the main take home point—drink fluids, fluids, and more fluids. Dehydration is the primary reason most patients with the stomach flu end up in the ER or hospital. Hopefully, you are not inflicted with the stomach virus during the holidays.
But as long as you keep yourself well-hydrated, the illness will pass.
Image from Shutterstock
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About the Author
Dr. Sanaz Majd is a board-certified Family Medicine physician who graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. Her special interests are women’s health and patient education.
