Stomach Flu

Stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, affects your digestive system and causes inflammation and irritation in your stomach, small intestine and large intestine. The most common cause of stomach flu is the norovirus in adults and rotavirus in children.

Most cases of the stomach flu can be treated at home. However, if you have symptoms such as a high fever, severe abdominal pain, inability to keep liquids down, or vomit or diarrhea lasting more for two days, it’s important to seek medical care.

Have a bad case of stomach flu? See your primary care provider or visit Urgent Care Goshen Physicians. 

Stomach flu symptoms

Having stomach flu causes symptoms such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Headache
• Abdominal pain, bloating and cramping

It’s easy to get dehydrated when you have the stomach flu, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids.

How to treat stomach flu

At home, stomach flu treatment consists of relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. Taking small sips and sucking on ice, instead of drinking large amounts, can help prevent nausea and vomiting. Try sports drinks with electrolytes, broths and simple foods like crackers, oats, rice, potatoes and bananas. Avoid caffeinated drinks.

When you come to urgent care for stomach flu, we can provide additional treatment for severe symptoms, including dehydration.

With extended hours, we are available evenings and weekends to provide stomach flu care when you need it most.