There is no real cure for a stomach bug (viral gastroenteritis) because it is caused by a virus. Most people don't need medical treatment and symptoms will go away on their own within a few days, though in some people symptoms may last up to 10 days.
CDC recommends using bleach to kill it, including chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide. That's why health departments often require restaurants to use bleach to clean countertops and kitchen surfaces.
Gastroenteritis symptoms usually last for 1 to 2 days, but occasionally they may persist for as long as 10 days. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the diarrhoea and vomiting Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
Clear liquids include: water, herbal tea, broth, Gatorade (or other non-caffeinated sports drinks), soda (7-Up, Sprite, Sierra Mist or other clear soda or ginger ale) that has been stirred to reduce the carbonation. Jell-O or Popsicles are acceptable if tolerated, but avoid orange or red colored choices.
There are many things that can cause gastroenteritis, including: viruses – such as norovirus, calicivirus, rotavirus, astrovirus and adenovirus. bacteria – such as the Campylobacter bacterium. parasites – such as Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium.
Yoghurt contains live bacterial cultures that help with lactose digestion. These beneficial bacteria may also help restore and strengthen the gut microbiome (the community of microorganisms living in the gut). In the first few days after gastro, you can start eating cheese and yoghurt and small amounts of milk.
Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection. Nausea, vomiting or both. Stomach cramps and pain. Occasional muscle aches or headache.
Most people with gastroenteritis get better at home after a few days and don't need any specific treatment. Stay at home and rest until you feel better. You shouldn't go into work or mix with others for at least 48 hours after your diarrhoea and sickness have stopped. This stops you spreading the infection.
In most cases, the disease is not serious and will run its course in a few days. Call your healthcare provider if you or a family member has vomiting or diarrhea that's not getting better, if you see blood or tar-like stool, or if you have any signs of dehydration.
Stomach flu rarely lasts longer than 1 to 3 days. However, it may be 1 to 2 weeks before your bowel habits are completely back to normal. Dehydration is a potentially serious complication of stomach flu. It can happen if your body loses too much fluid because you keep vomiting or having diarrhea.
Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis, annually causing an estimated 685 million cases.
To promote recovery, you must drink more fluids, such as water. You or your child can also use a rehydration solution. It is best to use commercial rehydration solutions. Homemade rehydration solutions are an alternative.
Most individuals with gastroenteritis will experience both diarrhea and vomiting, but some experience only one of these symptoms.
Yakult is one example, introducing the Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, but there are many more that can do a similar job. While certainly a mouthful, this particular bacterium simply helps ease the digestive process and prevent gastro-intestinal infection.
Most of the time, diarrhea is simply your gut's way of getting rid of a harmful invader, like a bacteria or virus.
People can usually help manage stomach flu symptoms by resting, drinking fluids, and limiting certain foods. “Stomach flu” is not the flu at all. Instead, the term refers to a group of infections that cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Doctors may also refer to stomach flu as gastroenteritis.
Whether you're dealing with the common cold, the flu or a stomach bug, you've probably noticed that your symptoms feel worse at night. You're not imagining things. Research suggests that your body's circadian rhythms—as well as some other factors—can exacerbate your symptoms after sundown.
Acute infectious gastroenteritis usually resolves within two weeks but severe cases can last several weeks.