The stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is spread by an infected person or through contact with contaminated food or water. The infection can cause stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever and weaken your immune system. Older adults, young children and people with certain health conditions are at the highest risk of getting the stomach flu.
You can limit your risk of stomach flu by taking preventive measures like avoiding contaminated foods and water, washing your hands often and strengthening your immune system.
The following tips can help you manage stomach flu symptoms in the comfort of your home.
Avoid substantial meals for a short period
Heavy meals or certain foods can worsen stomach flu symptoms, like diarrhea and vomiting. It’s best to avoid foods that are hard to digest, like fatty or greasy foods. Since it’s common to lose your appetite with stomach flu, it’s crucial not to force yourself to eat. It’s okay to stop eating solid foods for a few hours to allow your stomach to settle.
Once you feel ready to start eating again, start consuming small portions of lean meats and complex carbohydrates, like potatoes or whole-grain foods. Try eating food every two to three hours to help boost your metabolism.
If you feel your nausea returning, stop eating and try again later.
Hydrate slowly but consistently
Stomach flu symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. Dehydration occurs when there aren’t enough fluids in your body to function correctly. To stay hydrated and get some electrolytes, drink enough clear liquids daily. Water, bone broth, clear juices, certain sports beverages and popsicles are some examples of clear liquids you can drink to relieve stomach flu symptoms.
In addition, aim to drink about a tablespoon of clear liquid every 15 to 20 minutes. If you can keep the beverages down for at least 15 minutes, you can increase the amount to one-quarter cup. Continue this process until you can drink half a cup of clear liquids every 30 minutes.
Avoid drinking large amounts of liquids, as it could further upset your stomach and potentially cause stomach pain.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine
Caffeinated drinks contain high acidic levels, which can increase stomach flu symptoms like cramping and diarrhea. Coffee, tea and certain caffeinated sodas should be avoided while recovering from the stomach flu.
Alcohol also has high acidic levels and acts as a diuretic, encouraging water loss through the urine. Since the stomach flu can cause dehydration, it’s best to stop drinking alcohol until symptoms subside.
In addition, using nicotine products while having stomach flu can cause inflammation in the stomach and colon.
You should avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and nicotine products for at least three to five days after your stomach flu started.
Avoid spicy and fatty foods
Spicy and fatty foods can be challenging to digest with the stomach flu. In addition, these foods aggravate stomach flu symptoms, causing an increase in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
A few examples of spicy and fatty foods include:
- Hot wings
- Chili
- Jerk chicken
- Curry
- Certain dairy products like heavy cream and butter
- Bacon
- Potato chips
If you need some alternatives to spicy and fatty foods to help calm your stomach flu symptoms, consider the following food options:
- Clear broth
- Crackers
- Gelatin
- Toast
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Eggs
Consider over-the-counter medications
If you’re drinking clear liquids and avoiding certain foods, the stomach flu will eventually disappear without requiring medical treatment. However, if your stomach flu symptoms worsen, it may be time to consider taking over-the-counter medications.
Some medications that can assist with stomach flu symptoms are loperamide (Imodium A-D) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).
Loperamide medications shouldn’t be taken for more than 48 hours without speaking with a doctor. In addition, you should only take the recommended amount in the medication’s directions, as extended use of loperamide can potentially lead to heart problems.
Pepto-Bismol and other medications containing bismuth subsalicylate can be taken with or without food. However, avoid exceeding eight doses of the medication within 24 hours.
If you’re experiencing bloody diarrhea or fever, stop taking or don’t take over-the-counter medications and seek medical services.
Get plenty of rest
One of the best ways to recover from stomach flu is to get some rest. Your body needs time to recover from the physical stresses the stomach flu can cause. In addition, proper rest can boost your immune system to help you feel better quicker.
Since it can take two to three days to recover from the stomach flu, you should continue to rest until at least 48 hours after the last time you vomited or had diarrhea.
To ensure you’re getting enough rest, set times to nap during the day and go to bed earlier or sleep later to help recover from the stomach flu.
Supplement with ginger
The herb ginger contains natural properties that can help treat nausea and vomiting. Compared to other remedies for stomach flu symptoms, ginger can be one of the most effective and affordable options. Also, ginger is safe to consume and is available in teas, chewables, syrups, capsules and powders that won’t upset your stomach.
Utilize telehealth options
The stomach flu typically doesn’t require medical attention and can be treated at home. However, you should speak with a medical professional if you’re experiencing severe stomach flu symptoms.
You should call your healthcare provider if you:
- Have pain that lasts more than three days
- Are unable to keep liquids down for 24 hours
- Have blood in your bowel movements
- Have a fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit
- Have severe stomach pain
- Are feeling dehydrated
If you don’t feel comfortable visiting your doctor or urgent care, consider scheduling a telehealth appointment. Telehealth is a health service delivered in a virtual format. Healthcare providers can speak with patients in real time to discuss health concerns.
The benefits of telehealth include:
- Convenience (eliminates the need to travel and is accessible to those living in rural areas or who have mobility issues)
- Limits the spread of infectious illnesses
- Can provide better health assessments
- Improved primary care and chronic condition management
With the onset of Covid-19 in 2020, telehealth became more popular for healthcare providers to continue delivering care while respecting social distancing guidelines. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, 37 percent of adults used telemedicine services.
To access telehealth services, visit your healthcare provider’s website to schedule a virtual appointment. If your doctor doesn’t offer virtual health services, you can seek other healthcare facilities, like urgent care, that provide telehealth services covered by your health insurance.