How To Treat An Upset Stomach At Home
To help reduce the severity of symptoms, whether it’s caused by COVID-19, a GI virus or food poisoning, Barajas recommends using over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications that will help slow down the motility of the GI tract. You can also take over-the-counter medications that will help reduce gas and bloating. Barajas also suggests switching to a clear liquid diet such as juice, broth or popsicles or a bland diet with foods such as bread, rice or applesauce, depending on what your stomach is able to handle. Learn more about what to eat with an upset stomach.
“It is extremely important that you do the best you can to stay hydrated,” says Barajas. “Diarrhea can cause you to lose a lot of water and electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration.”
Stomach Flu And Dehydration
How can I prevent dehydration?If your baby or child has had several bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, he or she will need to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
If you are breastfeeding, continue to give your baby breastmilk. Breastmilk has fluids and electrolytes needed to prevent dehydration. Your doctor may also want you to give your baby an oral rehydration solution .
If you feed your baby formula, try switching to one that is lactose free while your baby is sick. Lactose can make diarrhea worse. Your doctor may also suggest switching from formula to an ORS for 12 to 24 hours, and then switching back.
For toddlers and young children, use an ORS, which contains the right mix of salt, sugar, potassium and other nutrients to help replace lost body fluids. Children older than 1 year may also have clear soups, clear sodas or juice mixed with water to help prevent dehydration. You should avoid giving your child plain water and dark sodas. Water alone does not contain enough salt and nutrients to help with dehydration. Dark sodas are typically very high in sugar and can irritate your childs stomach.
Signs of dehydration
- Little or lack of urine, or urine that is darker than usual
- Urinating less frequently than usual
- Thirst
- Irritability
- Dry mouth
- No tears when crying
- In babies who are younger than 18 months old, sunken soft spots on the top of their heads
- Skin that isnt as springy or elastic as usual
- Sleepiness
What is an ORS?
Should I feed my child when he or she has diarrhea?
When To Seek Immediate Care For The Flu
The flu can be a serious illnesseven a deadly one. Some symptoms of the flu in adults and children can be signs that the infection is serious enough to require immediate medical care.
If you or your child is sick with the flu and cannot breathe, has a high fever, cannot stop vomiting, or becomes confused, go to the emergency room.
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Other Symptoms That Need Medical Attention
A person should see a doctor if they or someone in their care has the following symptoms:
- confusion or a change in their mental state
- diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
- severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
- very frequent vomiting
, and it is easy for someone to pass on the infection. 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
- touch contaminated surfaces and do not wash their hands
- have direct contact with someone who has the infection, for instance, when caring for them or eating with them
People are most contagious when they have active symptoms, such as vomiting, and for the first few days after they recover. However, 2 weeks after a person recovers from norovirus, the virus will remain in their stool.
People can help prevent the transmission of the virus by regularly and thoroughly washing their hands using soap and water. They should pay particular attention to washing the hands:
- after using the toilet
- after caring for someone who has a stomach bug
- after cleaning up after someone
- before giving medicine
- before eating, preparing, or handling food
People can use alcohol-based sanitizers to clean the hands, but using soap and water for 20 seconds is the most effective way to remove virus particles.
Here are some ways in which people can avoid transmitting a stomach bug:
People can make a bleach solution with
How Long Someone Can Spread The Virus
Similarities:
For both COVID-19 and flu, its possible to spread the virus for at least 1 day before experiencing any symptoms.
Differences:
If a person has COVID-19, they could be contagious for a longer time than if they have flu.
Most people with flu are contagious for about 1 day before they show symptoms.
Older children and adults with flu appear to be most contagious during the first 3-4 days of their illness, but many people remain contagious for about 7 days.
Infants and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for even longer.
How long someone can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 is still being studied.
Heres what we know from studies of prior variants, including Delta:
- On average, people can begin spreading the virus 2-3 days before their symptoms begin, but infectiousness peaks 1 day before their symptoms begin.
- On average, people can continue to spread the virus another 8 days after their symptoms began.
This information is from studies of prior variants. We still have much to learn about new variants, including Omicron. CDC will share findings from ongoing studies as soon as they are available.
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Go To The Emergency Room If Serious Symptoms Arise
Both the flu and COVID-19 can have serious complications. Go to your nearest emergency room if you or your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Flu-like symptoms that improved but then returned worse
- Chest pain or pressure
And, more specifically for children, go to the emergency room if your child:
- Is less than 3 months old and has a fever above 100.4° Fahrenheit
- Is between 3 months old and 3 years old, has a fever above 100.4° Fahrenheit, and is showing signs of dehydration
- Has a fever with a rash
- Has skin or lips that have turned gray or blue
- Is extremely irritable
- Is not eating or drinking
- Is not waking up or interacting with you
Is Food Poisoning Contagious
Individuals experiencing food poisoning can be contagious through fecal matter or saliva for up to 48 hours. To reduce transmission to others, follow the same suggestions as gastroenteritis: close the toilet lid before flushing, clean the bathroom and toilet frequently and wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, says Barajas.
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Is It Stomach Bug Stomach Flu Or Food Poisoning
Your stomach is in knots as another wave of nausea strikes, sending you to the bathroom for the third time in an hour. But whats the cause? Two likely culprits are stomach bug and food poisoning. But how does stomach flu differ from food poisoning? Understanding the difference may lead to feeling better sooner and even prevent the illness from occurring in the first place.
How Long Does The Flu Last
Most people recover from the flu in about a week. But it may take several more days for you to feel back to your usual self. Its not uncommon to feel tired for several days after your flu symptoms have subsided.
Its important to stay home from school or work until youve been free of fever for at least 24 hours .
If you have the flu, it can be passed to another person a day before your symptoms appear and up to 57 days afterward.
If you have any cold or flu symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, you must isolate yourself while getting tested and continue to practice good hygiene such as:
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What Is Norovirus
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that can cause gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in Minnesota.
This infection is often mistakenly referred to as the stomach flu. Norovirus is not related to the flu , which is a common respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.
How Is It Spread
Noroviruses are very contagious. They are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. From there, noroviruses are transferred to food, water, or surfaces by the hands of infected people who have not washed adequately after using the bathroom.
People become infected with norovirus by:
- Eating food or drinking liquids contaminated by an infected person.
- Eating uncooked shellfish that has been harvested from contaminated waters.
- Touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching their mouth or eating without washing their hands first.
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Flu Treatments Are More Effective Than Many People Think
Theres still a widely held belief that seeing the doctor is pointless when you have the flu. This belief has been perpetuated by the fact that in most cases, there isnt a lot doctors can do about viral infections, and influenza is viral. But it can be treated.
- peramivir
- baloxavir
These drugs have been shown to lessen length of illness but also decrease complications, including ear infection, respiratory complications, and hospitalization, she said.
Nutrition Fluids And Food
These can ease gastroenteritis symptoms. It may be hard to hold food down, but you can get fluids, calories, vital minerals , and nutrition from fruit juice, sports drinks, caffeine-free soft drinks, or broth. When you feel ready to try solid food, start with bland things like rice, potatoes, bread, applesauce, or bananas. Avoid fatty or sugary foods, dairy, caffeine, and alcohol until youâre better. They may make you feel worse.
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What Is The 24
You may have heard of the 24-hour flu or stomach flu, a short-lasting illness characterized by vomiting and diarrhea. But what exactly is the 24-hour flu?
The name 24-hour flu is actually a misnomer. The illness isnt the flu at all. The flu is a respiratory illness thats caused by the influenza virus. Common symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue.
The 24-hour flu is actually a condition called gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, which leads to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Although gastroenteritis can be caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, viral gastroenteritis is typically responsible for many cases of 24-hour flu. Despite the 24-hour moniker, viral gastroenteritis symptoms can last between 24 and 72 hours.
Read on to learn more about the 24-hour flu, including symptoms, home remedies, and when to see a doctor.
The symptoms of 24-hour flu typically appear one to three days after youve been infected and can include:
- diarrhea
The 24-hour flu is very contagious, meaning that it can spread easily from person-to-person. You can become infected in the following ways:
- Having close contact with a person who has the infection.
- Coming into contact with a surface or object thats been contaminated. Examples include things like doorknobs, faucets, or eating utensils.
- Consuming contaminated food or water.
When To Seek Help
Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following while youre ill with the 24-hour flu:
- You have symptoms of severe dehydration, which can include dizziness, dark urine, or passing very low quantities of urine.
- You have bloody diarrhea or vomit.
- Youre unable to keep any fluids down for 24 hours due to vomiting.
- Your fever is over 104°F .
- Your symptoms dont begin to improve after a few days.
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Causes And Symptoms Of Norovirus Infection
Noroviruses are members of a group of viruses called caliciviruses, known previously as Norwalk-like viruses. This infection is often mistakenly referred to as the stomach flu, but noroviruses are not related to the flu , which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. Norovirus is also sometimes called viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and calicivirus.
Norovirus infection causes gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and the small and large intestines. Norovirus is by far the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in Minnesota and the rest of the U.S.
Norovirus is not a new virus, but interest in it is growing as more is learned about how frequently noroviruses cause illness in people.
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.
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The Truth About Stomach Flu
If your child suddenly has an attack of diarrhea and vomiting, and they complain of a stomachache, you may think to yourself, “stomach flu.”
No, not really.
What’s often called “stomach flu” is gastroenteritis, an infection of the stomach and intestines. The flu, or influenza, is different. It causes sore throats, runny noses, and general aches and pains. It rarely causes stomach problems.
Viral infections are the usual cause of gastroenteritis. Bacteria can sometimes bring it on.
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 your child get through it.
How Long Does Norovirus Last
Although norovirus infections come on fast, they also resolve quickly.
Within 24 to 48 hours youre feeling better, if not close to normal, says Malani, who urges all affected people, especially food service and health care workers, to stay home during that time.
There is no specific medical treatment for norovirus. Patients symptoms typically improve after three days. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, so its important to consume water or sports drinks to replenish lost fluids.
The flu, which might not surface for two or more days after initial exposure, also has no medical cure. Compared with that of norovirus, recovery time also lasts longer. For some patients, it might be five days or longer before signs of improvement begin.
Flu patients also will benefit from fluids and rest. Cough drops and an alternating regimen of acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help, Malani says. Antiviral therapy is prescribed in certain clinical circumstances.
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Whats The Incubation Period For The Flu
The typical incubation period for the flu is 1 to 4 days. Incubation refers to the period during which the virus is in your body and developing.
During this time, you may not show any symptoms of the virus. That doesnt mean that you arent able to pass it to someone else. Many people are capable of transmitting the virus to others a day before symptoms appear.
The millions of tiny droplets that are produced when we sneeze, cough, or talk, spread the flu virus. These droplets enter your body through your nose, mouth, or eyes.
You can also get the flu by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
The 24-hour flu is a common stomach infection that has nothing to do with influenza, despite sharing a name. The 24-hour stomach flu is caused by a genus of viruses called norovirus.
The symptoms of norovirus include:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- stomach cramping
These symptoms occur in the gastrointestinal system. Thats why the 24-hour flu is sometimes called a stomach flu. Although its called the 24-hour flu, you may be ill for up to 3 days.
The symptoms of the 24-hour flu and influenza are different. The flu is a respiratory illness. Respiratory system symptoms of the flu include:
- coughing
- runny nose
- body aches
Some people with influenza may experience nausea and vomiting while theyre sick. But these symptoms arent as common in adults.
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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