Better Understanding the Stomach Flu
Did you know that the stomach flu is really not influenza at all? This pain in your stomach with other telltale symptoms is actually viral gastroenteritis affecting your digestive symptom.
Stomach flu cases can quickly turn into a medical emergency because of the risk of dehydration. Dignity Health St. John's offers the personalized, fast treatment you need.
Relieving Your Stomach Flu Symptoms at Dignity Health St. John's
Most of us have felt the discomfort associated with a stomach bug. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and more can result from common stomach flu viruses. Your doctor will want to know if your stomach flu results in dehydration or any of these other signs:
- High fever
- Diarrhea or vomit with blood
- Severe abdominal pain
- Unable to hold down liquids
- Diarrhea or vomiting for more than two days
If you have any of these severe stomach flu symptoms, get immediate medical attention at Dignity Health.
Stomach Flu Remedies & Prevention
Unless you have severe symptoms, your stomach flu requires only home treatment for the symptoms and to keep you hydrated with plenty of fluids. Our health care providers suggest eating ice chips and drinking broths and sports drinks to get fluid back into your body. Over-the-counter medications to stop diarrhea can help adults, but children should not take these.
In a couple of days, you should feel much better and should eat easier-to-digest foods, such as toast, rice, bananas, and crackers. Wash your hands regularly to avoid future bouts of the stomach flu.
If symptoms linger, you may want to Find a Doctor at Dignity Health St. John's.