{"id":62434,"date":"2024-01-05T10:30:25","date_gmt":"2024-01-05T15:30:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62434"},"modified":"2025-01-14T16:29:09","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T21:29:09","slug":"stomach-flu-remedies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/stomach-flu-remedies\/","title":{"rendered":"6 remedies for the stomach flu"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is stomach flu going around in your school or office? When this illness hits, it causes everything from nausea to diarrhea\u2014and if you\u2019re not careful your entire household could easily be infected.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAnother name for stomach flu is viral gastroenteritis,\u201d says<\/span> Ali A. Khan, MD<\/span>, a board-certified gastroenterologist with VHC Health in Fairfax, Virginia. \u201cIt can happen sometimes in conjunction with other viral symptoms, like an upper respiratory infection, or it can just be GI symptoms alone.\u201d Most often, you can thank a virus known as<\/span> norovirus<\/span><\/a> for the bug. In fact, norovirus is responsible for upward of<\/span> 21 million cases<\/span> of stomach flu a year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Food poisoning<\/span><\/a> is also a form of gastroenteritis, \u201ccaused most commonly by bacteria, but it can be caused by viruses such as norovirus too,\u201d explains Dr. Khan. Either way, the symptoms\u2014like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea\u2014are often identical. The most common remedies, like getting plenty of fluids and rest, are also very similar among the different causes, he says.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6 remedies for the stomach flu<\/span><\/h2>\n

The stomach flu will usually get better within just <\/span>three days<\/span><\/a>. Still, when you are in the throes of it, there are some things you can do to help feel better and boost your immune system.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Stay hydrated<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cIn terms of remedies for the stomach flu, the best thing to do is absolutely to stay hydrated,\u201d says Dr. Khan. Not only can dehydration worsen symptoms, but it can cause issues in and of itself, like a fast heartbeat or lightheadedness, he explains.<\/span><\/p>\n

The gold standard for hydration is water. You can also turn to other liquids to help replenish electrolytes, like sports drinks, Pedialyte, juices, or broths, says Dr. Khan<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jon Simon, MD,<\/span><\/a> a board-certified internist and pediatrician with Mercy Personal Physicians at Hunt Valley in Baltimore, Maryland, also recommends an oral rehydration solution\u2014a mixture of water, salt, potassium, sugar, and bicarbonate\u2014which you can buy or make at home. \u201cThat increases the chances that you\u2019ll absorb enough water and not get dehydrated,\u201d he notes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Popsicles or Italian ice are another way to get fluids in, especially for kids. \u201cItalian ice is really good,\u201d Dr. Simon says. \u201cThat\u2019s a nice way to get tiny amounts of water very frequently.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To that end, when drinking, \u201cit\u2019s key to use small amounts very frequently as opposed to guzzling large amounts at a time,\u201d he advises. And to ensure you\u2019re getting enough fluids, the goal should be to see clear urine when using the bathroom, says Dr. Khan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not all fluids are created equal, though. You want to steer clear of:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n