Stomach bugs, also known as viral gastroenteritis, are caused by viruses and can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, headache, and abdominal pain or cramping. While there is no real cure for a stomach bug, there are several ways to alleviate symptoms and help your body recover. Here are some of the quickest ways to get rid of a stomach bug:
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Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. You can try drinking clear soda, clear broths, non-caffeinated sports drinks, or an electrolyte-containing solution such as Pedialyte.
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Eat bland foods: Eat mild, easy-to-digest foods such as rice, bananas, applesauce, toast, soda crackers, soup, oats, noodles, and boiled potatoes. Avoid fatty or highly seasoned foods, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
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Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body recover from the illness and dehydration.
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Try anti-diarrhea medications: Some adults may find it helpful to take loperamide (Imodium A-D) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, others) to manage their symptoms. However, avoid these if you have bloody diarrhea or fever, which could be signs of another condition.
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Wash your hands: Wash your hands often to stop the spread of germs.
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Disinfect surfaces: Use household cleaning products to disinfect surfaces and objects, like countertops, doorknobs, handles, sinks, toilets, computer keyboards, and phones.
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Immunize: Infants can be immunized with the rotavirus vaccine to protect against the viral infections that cause gastroenteritis.
Its important to note that if your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have bloody diarrhea or fever, you should seek medical attention.
