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What is stomach flu (viral gastroenteri- How is it treated?
tis)? The most important thing to do is to rest the stomach
Stomach flu is a viral infection that affects the stom- and intestines. You can do this by first eating nothing
ach and small intestine. The illness is usually brief, and drinking only clear liquids. A little later you can
lasting 1 to 3 days. eat soft bland foods that are easy to digest. Give your
stomach rest from liquids for 2 hours after vomiting.
How is it transmitted? You may suck on hard candy, a popsicle or ice chips
Stomach flu is caused by swallowing certain viruses. after 2 hours. Then take small, frequent sips of liquids
Infected people can spread the virus through their every 10 to 15 minutes. Drinking too much at once,
secretions, sometimes even before their symptoms even an ounce or two, may cause more vomiting.
begin. The virus can be spread by direct contact with
an infected person (for example, kissing or shaking Your choice of liquids is important. If water is the only
hands) or by sharing food, drink, or eating utensils. liquid you can drink without vomiting, that is okay.
However, if you have been vomiting frequently for a
The virus enters the stomach and intestine and in- long time, you must replace the minerals, sodium and
flames the lining of these organs. As a result, the potassium, that are lost when you vomit. Ask your
stomach and intestine are temporarily unable to medical provider what sport drinks or medical prod-
perform their usual functions. The virus can also ucts could help you replace these minerals.
cause food to move more rapidly through your gas-
trointestinal (GI) tract. Other clear liquids you can drink are weak tea, bouil-
lon and apple juice. You may also drink soft drinks
Some bacteria and other tiny organisms called proto- without caffeine (such as 7up) after letting them lose
zoa can cause infections that have symptoms similar some of their carbonation - go flat. Chilling the liquids
to those of viral gastroenteritis. may help you keep them down. Avoid liquids that are
acidic (such as orange juice) or caffeinated (such as
What are the symptoms? coffee) or have a lot of carbonation. Do not drink milk
When you have stomach flu, you may have one or more until you no longer have diarrhea. Avoid ibuprofen
of the following symptoms: and aspirin as these may make your symptoms worse
• Fatigue if taken on an empty stomach. If you have fever, take
• Chills 2 regular strength (325 mg each) acetaminophen (Ty-
• Loss of appetite lenol) every 4 hours.
• Nausea
• Vomiting You may start eating bland foods when you have
• Stomach cramps not vomited for several hours and are able to drink
• Diarrhea (liquid stools) clear liquids without further upset. Soda crackers,
• Low-grade fever toast, noodles, applesauce, and bananas are good first
• Muscle aches choices. Avoid foods that are acidic, spicy, fatty, or
fibrous (meats, coarse grains, vegetables) and dairy
The illness may develop over a period of hours, or it products. See the next page for a recommended diet
may suddenly start with stomach cramps, vomiting, progression.
or diarrhea.
Sometimes treatment includes prescription medicine
How is it diagnosed? to prevent nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. Nonpre-
Your medical provider will review your symptoms. S/ scription medicine, such as loperamide (Imodium) or
he may examine you and order lab tests to rule out bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), is available for
more serious illnesses, such as appendicitis, and to the treatment of diarrhea and can be very effective. If
detect complications, such as dehydration. If you have you use it, make sure you use the dose recommended
been in a foreign country or environment with poor on the package. Pepto-Bismol can turn tongue and
water or sanitation conditions, tests for parasites or stools black - a harmless and transient side effect.
other infections may be done. Imodium will not cure the diarrhea. It acts as a
B R O W N U N I V E R S I T Y H E A L T H S E R V I C E S | www.brown.edu/health | 4 0 1 . 8 6 3 - 3 9 5 3
chemical cork while the diarrheal process (water loss • Diluted apple or cranberry juice (not orange
from the body into the intestine) goes on. It is useful juice)
primarily if there is a period of time when it is neces- • Gatorade or Kool-Aid
sary to avoid using the toilet. • Water/ice chips
• Popsicles
Dehydration is a potentially serious complication of • Hard candy
stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis). It can occur if your • Plain saltines
body loses too much fluid because you keep vomiting • Decaffeinated tea with honey/sweetener
or having diarrhea. If you are severely dehydrated,
you may need to be given fluids intravenously (IV). Step 2:
• Anything from Step 1 plus:
How long does the stomach flu last? • Applesauce
Stomach flu rarely lasts longer than 1 to 3 days. • Bananas
However, it may be 1 to 2 weeks before your bowel • Mashed potatoes
habits return completely to normal. Contact your • Plain pasta, rice - without butter, margarine or
medical provider if: sauce
• You have been vomiting for more than a day • Refined cereals, such as Rice crispies, puffed
• You have had diarrhea for over 3 days wheat, puffed rice, corn flakes, Cream of Wheat,
• You have bloody stool Farina, Cream of Rice
• You have a fever over 101 F (38.3 C) • Toast (white or light rye bread) with jelly (not
• You feel very light-headed jam, butter or margarine)
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