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How to manage stomach flu symptoms at home

A virus in the stomach can keep anyone down for the count. Learn what doctors recommend to get through an infection safely.

Published: December 4, 2023 |10 minute read

Written by: Cheryl Solimini

Ilustration of a man with a thermometer in his mouth looking at his stomach, which is illustrated as visible through his abdomen.

It may come on without warning: that churning tummy that sends you rushing to the bathroom. Some call it the stomach flu, but it really has no relation to influenza. Doctors call it acute or viral gastroenteritis. By any name, it’s no fun.

The condition causes bouts of vomiting, diarrhea or both. Noroviruses, the most common cause of the “stomach flu,”1  afflicts an estimated 21 million people in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).2 And for some people — particularly young children and people ages 65 or older — it can be a cause for real medical concern.3

Mostly, though, these intestinal troubles calm down with some rest and at-home care. Here’s what to know about the “stomach flu” — and which products can help settle your symptoms as quickly as possible.

In this article:

Stomach flu symptoms

“Stomach flu” is caused by an infection from a pathogen. The signs usually show up within 12 to 48 hours of it entering the body.4 These are the most common symptoms:

  • Body aches5,6,7
  • Diarrhea (very loose or watery stools)
  • Fever (usually low grade and under 102 degrees)
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Stomach cramps or pain
  • Vomiting

The biggest medical danger is dehydration. Vomiting or having diarrhea several times a day can cause a person to rapidly lose bodily fluids. This can lead to lightheadedness, muscle cramps or more serious symptoms for vulnerable groups.8,9,10 Young children are at greatest risk.

According to Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD, who leads the pediatrics infectious disease program at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School11, these are some signs of severe dehydration: decreased activity, decreased urination or sweating, sleepiness, very dry mouth and skin that doesn’t spring back when lightly pinched.12

With these kinds of symptoms, adults or kids may need a hospital stay to quickly replace their fluids and lost electrolytes (sodium, potassium and other minerals).13 It’s best to stay in touch with a health care provider as the “stomach flu” takes hold.

What causes the stomach flu?

Influenza targets the respiratory system — the nose, throat and lungs. What people call the “stomach flu” is actually an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It’s triggered by an infection from a virus, bacteria or a parasite — not from the flu virus.

“Noroviruses are the most common culprit,” says Matthew A. Weissman, MD, professor of medicine and pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

Noroviruses can affect anyone of any age.

Children are susceptible to rotaviruses, which can cause similar symptoms to noroviruses.

A person might pick up one of these from contaminated water or food. Recent research suggests that some viruses may also be transmitted from person to person through saliva, by talking, coughing or sneezing or by sharing eating utensils.15

How long does the stomach flu last?

A bout of “stomach flu” can feel endless. But it usually gets better in one to three days, with some symptoms lasting up to 14 days.16

“If the illness hasn’t resolved itself after a week, you should go to the emergency room,” says Julius Wilder, MD, PhD, a gastroenterologist in Durham, NC, and assistant professor at Duke University School of Medicine. You should be seen by a health care provider earlier if there is blood in your stool or pain that persists even after throwing up. 18

You can still spread the virus for days or weeks after symptoms have gone away.19 So it’s important to continue taking precautions after an infection, such as washing your hands and wiping down countertops, doorknobs and toys.

Dr. Weissman also recommends waiting two weeks before allowing a recovering child into a swimming pool, which is a common place for kids to pick up or share a stomach bug.20

Should I go to the doctor for the stomach flu?

If symptoms have not resolved after a week or so, it’s a good idea to seek medical care.

Other signs to head to the emergency room or seek immediate medical care: bloody stools or vomit; persistent stomach pain that is not relieved by throwing up or going to the bathroom; and a fever over 102 degrees.21

Medicine for stomach flu symptoms

“Whatever the cause, in healthy people, your body will clear the infection out on its own,” says Dr. Weissman. “Treatment is not about getting rid of the illness — it’s what we call supportive care.”

For the “stomach flu,” that means managing the aches, diarrhea and vomiting. Be sure to check with a health care provider before taking any nonprescription medications that reduce symptoms.

  • Antidiarrheals. Some medications may be used to relieve diarrhea but should only be taken for a day or two. They often contain loperamide hydrochloride or bismuth subsalicylate. Follow the package dosage directions.
    Be aware that these medicines contain aspirin, which can irritate the stomach or increase bleeding. They should not be used if you’re already taking aspirin for other reasons, notes Dr. Weissman.22
    Imodium, Pepto Bismol and Kaopectate are some examples of products that can help reduce episodes of diarrhea.
  • Pain relievers. Acetaminophen may help reduce fever, adds Dr. Wilder. Acetaminophen products include Tylenol.
  • Heating pads. The warmth of a heating pad may help relax stomach cramps. Use according to the manufacturer’s directions for short periods,. Be careful not to place directly on the skin.23 If you are pregnant, check with their doctors before using a heating pad.

A health care provider may have other suggestions, including prescription medications.

Home remedies for the stomach flu

The best home remedy for the “stomach flu” is no secret: liquids and plenty of them. Try sipping water and other easily digestible liquid, such as broth, clear soup and juice. These can replace fluids and restock electrolytes lost through diarrhea and vomiting. “Go just a teaspoon at a time if you need to,” says Dr. Weissman. “Slow and steady wins the race.”

While research is limited, chamomile,24,25 ginger,26,27 peppermint28 or green tea29 may ease tummy troubles. They also rehydrate. But be cautious with other herbal teas, warns Dr. Weissman. “Some can actually cause diarrhea or other issues.” Stirring in a teaspoon of honey might also help, particularly in reducing diarrhea from gastroenteritis caused by bacteria.30

It may be best to avoid sugary drinks, carbonated beverages and anything with caffeine or alcohol. These can be dehydrating or can overstimulate the gastrointestinal system. High-fat and fried foods may make symptoms worse, too. A “stomach flu” may also trigger temporary lactose intolerance, so milk and other dairy products may bring on more diarrhea, notes Dr. Weissman.31

And if just the thought of swallowing anything is too much, sucking on ice chips, frozen juice cubes or an ice pop might be manageable for adults and older kids.32

Stomach flu in children

Rotavirus vaccines have been given routinely since 2006 and have greatly reduced the severity of the “stomach flu” in children.33,34

“Twenty years ago, the stomach flu was responsible for most infant hospital admissions,” says Dr. Whitley-Williams. “The vaccine has made a tremendous, positive difference on the mortality rate of the virus in this country.”35

The best way to defend against catching and spreading a stomach bug, she adds, is handwashing. That goes for kids as well as the adults who care for them. After using the toilet or before eating or preparing food, wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. This has been proven to be better and more effective than hand sanitizer, which does not kill noroviruses.36,37,38

If a child is already sick, offer fluids and encourage eating. “Get a medicine dropper or a small medicine cup and, every half hour, give some type of fluid — Kool-Aid or flat ginger ale or apple juice,” says Dr. Whitley-Williams. “Jell-O is also a form of liquid, so you can offer that as well.” That way, the child feels like they’re eating something, she says.39

A pediatrician or health care provider might also suggest oral rehydration solutions, which contain electrolytes. (Older kids and adults with severe illness or a weakened immune system can also benefit from these oral solutions.) Infants should drink breast milk or formula as usual.40,41

Consider Pedialyte to help replace fluids and essential electrolytes.42,43,44 Another oral hydration product for adults to try: CVS Health Adult Electrolyte Mix.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.