4 Things Doctors Recommend to Get Over the Stomach Bug Fast
Cases of norovirus, a.k.a. the stomach bug, are surging in the U.S. right now.
There is no specific medication to treat norovirus.
Doctors share tips for feeling better, sooner.
The U.S. is seeing a surge of norovirus, a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But this isn’t just a slight uptick: The data show double the number of cases so far this year compared to the same time period last year.
“Norovirus is very miserable,” says William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “Many people report having diarrhea on the toilet and leaning over to vomit in the sink simultaneously.”
It takes less than 100 norovirus particles to make someone sick, and infected people can shed billions of viral particles in their vomit and poop, according to the CDC. As a result, “norovirus is incredibly contagious,” says Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York.
Meet the experts: Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York, William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., is a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security
There is no cure or specific treatment for the stomach bug, but infectious disease doctors say there are a few things you can do at home to ride the virus out as comfortably as possible if you get infected. Here’s what you need to know.
Doctor’s tips for treating the stomach bug
Unfortunately, there is no specific medication to treat norovirus or a vaccine to prevent it. However, doctors say there are a few things you can do at home to stay as comfortable as possible (and hopefully therefore speed up your recovery!) while dealing with the illness.
Take small sips of liquids
Dehydration is a big concern with norovirus, making it important to try to stay as hydrated as possible, Dr. Schaffner says. “Take small sips of fluids,” he says. “You don’t want to put too much in your stomach at once because it may come up right away.”
Replenish electrolytes
Drinks that contain electrolytes, like sports drinks, are a good option if you have them, Dr. Russo says. “You can even try watered-down juices to give you glucose,” he says. (When you’re dealing with vomiting and diarrhea, your glucose—a.k.a. blood sugar—levels can dip, Dr. Russo explains. Having glucose in this situation may help increase your energy levels.)
Take acetaminophen
If you feel like you can keep it down, acetaminophen (a.k.a. Tylenol) can help combat a fever and any aches and pains you may have, Dr. Russo says. However, he suggests avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. “Some people can get gastric irritation with them,” Dr. Russo says. “You’ve already got something irritating your stomach and you don’t want to pile on.”
Try to eat something bland
If your stomach won’t tolerate it, Dr. Schaffner stresses that you’ll be OK just having liquids for a day or two. But if you feel like you can get something down, focus on “eating something bland,” says Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. That includes focusing on the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) until your nausea and vomiting have stopped.
When to see a doctor for the stomach bug
The good news, if there is any with norovirus: People tend to feel better within one to three days.
But if you have vomiting and diarrhea that won’t stop, severe weakness, or you’re an older adult, Dr. Adalja recommends seeking medical attention. Doctors will likely want to give you IV fluids and an anti-emetic medication, which can help to stop the vomiting.
If you’re uncomfortable but feel like you can handle this illness at home on your own, Dr. Russo recommends just focusing on your fluid intake. “The main concern is dehydration,” he says.
Again, norovirus is incredibly contagious. “Have family members keep their distance from you,” Dr. Schaffner says. “When you vomit, you can create an aerosol of the virus that can infect someone else, even if they’re being very careful with you. It’s best to separate yourself.”
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