What To Do if You Get the Stomach Flu

You’re on your second sick day, thinking to yourself, “How can I possibly be sick with the flu, I got my vaccine?” But that pesky stomach bug that’s preventing you from eating anything, and perhaps forcing you into the bathroom more often than you’d like to admit, isn’t influenza. Another virus is likely causing gastroenteritis.

“Frequently, the word ‘flu’ is used interchangeably to discuss both influenza and viral gastroenteritis,” shares Kara Wollenweber, APRN-CNP, a certified nurse practitioner with ProMedica Physicians. “But in fact, these are two very different illnesses.”

Influenza affects your respiratory system, including your nose, throat and lungs, while gastroenteritis goes after your intestines.

Identifying Symptoms of the Stomach Flu

If you have the stomach flu, you’re likely experiencing:

• Sudden onset of diarrhea (three or more liquid stools for longer than 12 hours).
• Vomiting.
• Abdominal pain or cramping, body aches or headache.
• Sometimes fever.

“If no other cause can be identified, such as stress, bowel disease, recent travel or recent use of antibiotics, these symptoms can likely be attributed to gastroenteritis,” Kara says.

Kara warns that stomach flu symptoms can appear two to ten days after exposure to the virus. Once symptoms appear, they typically resolve in one to four days, but may last longer depending on the virus. You are typically most contagious when you are actively sick and for up to two weeks after your symptoms disappear.

How To Stop the Spread of the Stomach Flu

The most common instigator of the stomach flu is something called a norovirus. The virus is spread by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces and other carriers of the virus. You can also get the stomach flu by ingesting contaminated food or water.

“The virus spreads easily,” says Kara. “But there are a few things you can do to help prevent others from getting sick.”

Most importantly, if you’re feeling unwell, stay home. Kara says that if you, or someone in your house is sick, keeping a clean home is imperative. You should wash your hands frequently and clean all surfaces, including your bed linens.

“Hand sanitizer does not work well for prevention of spread of some viruses; such as norovirus. Good handwashing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water is best,” Kara shares.

A person with the stomach flu should not cook or share food and drinks with others. The virus can easily spread to food and water. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommends that people who have norovirus should not prepare food or care for others for 48 hours after symptoms resolve. 

Also, the virus can remain in your stool for up to two weeks after your symptoms go away. Frequent cleaning of bathroom surfaces is important, as well as continued, thorough hand washing.

Treatment for the Stomach Flu

Ask any health care professional for advice on dealing with the stomach flu and they’ll tell you to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

“Dehydration is the leading concern for people of all ages who have the norovirus,” warns Kara. “Older adults and small children are especially susceptible and should be monitored closely.”

Symptoms to watch out for include decreased urination, dry mouth and dizziness when standing.

Antidiarrheal medications are not recommended for children or people over the age of 65. Additionally, medication to stop vomiting or help with nausea should only be given to adults.

“Overall, if hydration can be maintained without using antimotility medications, then use should not be initiated,” Kara shares.

Since the norovirus is a virus, antibiotics are not beneficial. Kara adds, “In the case of bloody diarrhea or fever, you should follow up with your health care provider to rule out bacterial infections or parasites.”

Should you visit the doctor’s office if you have the stomach flu?

“An evaluation by your primary care provider should be made if dehydration or suspected dehydration is a concern,” says Kara. “To prevent dehydration or replace fluids, sports drinks and other non-caffeinated drinks may be used for mild dehydration. Optimally, a fluid and electrolyte oral replacement is best. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization and intra-venous fluid replacement.”

For specific guidelines on rehydration, or suspected dehydration, contact your primary care provider. To read more information about the stomach flu, please visit the CDC’s website .

Kara Wollenweber, CNP
Kara is a certified nurse practitioner with ProMedica Physicians. View her profile.