In most cases, stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, doesn’t need to be treated by a healthcare provider. Home remedies, like drinking plenty of fluids and eating a bland diet, can help ease symptoms until the illness passes. Show
While gastroenteritis can be caused by bacteria, fungus, and parasites, viruses like norovirus and rotavirus are the most common causes. In most cases, the term "stomach flu" is used to describe viral gastroenteritis. Although there are currently no antiviral drugs able to treat the stomach flu, there are certain medications that can make you feel more comfortable as you recover as well. While not comprehensive, this article lists some of the home remedies, OTC medications, prescription drugs, and complementary therapies that may provide relief from stomach flu symptoms. Verywell / Brianna GilmartinHome Remedies and LifestyleDiarrhea and vomiting are common with viral gastroenteritis. In most cases, they will resolve on their own within a few days. Even so, diarrhea and vomiting can be extremely uncomfortable, so it’s understandable to want to reduce the duration and severity of these symptoms. At the same time, you will want to remain well hydrated to recover quickly and avoid dehydration. The following simple home remedies can help you navigate the path toward recovery. FluidsDiarrhea and vomiting can cause your body to lose a lot of water, so it's important to replenish lost fluids as quickly as possible. Dehydration is one of the most serious concerns related to stomach flu and something that can land you in hospital if you're not careful. Here are some of the ways to avoid dehydration if you get stomach flu:
DietIt may not be possible to keep food down when stomach flu first strikes. That's OK. Simply keep hydrated and don't try to force down food. That may only lead to vomiting. When the vomiting stops and you're better able to tolerate food, start by eating bland foods. Eat just a little at a time to avoid overtaxing your stomach. Many people turn to the so-called BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods tend to be easy on the stomach and help bind stools so that they are less watery. White rice and white bread work better at binding stools than high-fiber options like brown rice, wild rice, whole wheat bread, or whole-grain bread.
BRAT Diet in ChildrenThe American Academy of Pediatrics advises against the use of the BRAT diet in children with diarrhea and other stomach problems. If the child with stomach flu is able to keep food down, they should be given a normal, well-balanced diet. If you are experiencing nausea, small meals or snacks every 3 to 4 hours are generally better tolerated. In addition to the bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, some other bland, easy-to-digest foods include saltine crackers, broth-based soups, gelatin, pasta, potatoes without the skin, eggs, and well-cooked poultry. It is generally recommended to avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or spicy foods for a few days while you are recovering. RestGetting adequate rest is an important and often overlooked part of stomach flu recovery. Staying home and relaxing can help you recover quicker and prevent others from getting infected. Germs that cause gastroenteritis pass through person-to-person contact, such as shaking hands, so limiting interaction with others is best. Over-the-Counter (OTC) TherapiesOver-the-counter (OTC) medications may help ease many of the symptoms of stomach flu. Even so, check with a healthcare provider before using any OTC drug on children, pregnant people, older adults, or anyone living with a chronic health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure. Anti-Diarrheal DrugsThere are two OTC medications that may help ease diarrhea in people with stomach flu:
Anti-Diarrheal Drug WarningDo not use OTC anti-diarrheal drugs if you have bloody diarrhea. This may be a sign of a severe bacterial or parasitic infection, both of which require medical treatment. OTC Pain RelieversFor aches and fever associated with stomach flu, there are two OTC pain relievers that can help:
Anti-EmeticsAnti-emetics are medications that can ease nausea. There are two that may be of benefit to people with stomach flu:
PrescriptionsThere are no drugs, prescription or otherwise, that can directly treat any of the different viruses that cause gastroenteritis. Instead, the focus of treatment is placed on alleviating symptoms. There are few prescription drugs used to treat stomach flu. One exception is prescription anti-emetics that may help ease severe nausea and vomiting. Options include:
Do Antibiotics Treat Stomach Flu?Antibiotics may be prescribed if the cause of gastroenteritis is bacterial. However, if the cause is viral (as it most likely is), antibiotics will neither treat the infection nor improve symptoms. They may, in fact, make diarrhea worse. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)Some doctors may recommend probiotics to treat viral gastroenteritis. Probiotics are live microorganisms, most often bacteria, that normally reside in your digestive tract. Taking a probiotic supplement (available in tablet, liquid, powder, or gummy form) may help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut and potentially shorten a diarrhea outbreak. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before using probiotics or any other complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean that it is safe or effective. A 2018 review published in Complementary Medicine Research urged caution when using CAM to treat viral
gastroenteritis, stating that the remedies are "mostly unsupported by scientific evidence." SummaryMost cases of viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) do not require treatment by a healthcare provider but can be effectively managed at home. The treatment is focused on easing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea while avoiding complications like dehydration. Self-care treatments include rest, rehydration, and a bland diet. Over-the-counter painkillers, anti-diarrheals, anti-emetics, and probiotics may help relieve the symptoms of stomach flu. Prescription anti-emetics can be used if nausea and vomiting are especially severe. A Word From VerywellIf you have stomach flu, it is important to seek immediate medical care if the diarrhea or vomiting lasts for more than two days, contains blood, is black or tarry, or causes severe pain. Frequently Asked Questions
What over the counter medicine is good for vomiting and diarrhea?Bismuth subsalicylate (2 brand names: Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol). This medicine may help treat some types of nausea and vomiting, such as from gastroenteritis (stomach flu). They are also used for upset stomachs and as an antidiarrheal (medicine to treat diarrhea).
What is the best over the counter medicine for nausea and vomiting?What are the Best Nausea Medication Brands?. CVS Health.. Dramamine.. Pepto-Bismol.. Sea-Band.. Gravol.. What can you take for upset stomach and vomiting?Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as antiemetics may sometimes be used to stop upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting. OTC medications for nausea can include Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate, which contain bismuth subsalicylate.
How can I get Zofran over the counter?How do I buy ondansetron (generic Zofran®) for migraines? Ondansetron is a prescription medication, which means you can't get it over the counter. It must be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
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