There is no specific medicine that can treat a stomach virus, and antibiotics are not effective against viruses. The best thing to do is to let the virus run its course, which usually lasts up to a week. However, there are things you can do to ease the symptoms:
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Stay hydrated: Drink clear, fizzy drinks like ginger ale, and eat bland foods like bananas, brown rice, broths, plain applesauce, whole grain bread, and potatoes.
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Clean and disinfect surfaces: To prevent the spread of the virus, clean and disinfect your hands, clothing, and contaminated surfaces with a bleach solution or suitable disinfecting product.
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Avoid certain foods: Foods high in fat, sugar, caffeine, or dairy milk might make you more likely to throw up or have diarrhea. Focus on foods that are easy to digest and give you a quick dose of energy, like fruit juice popsicles, broths, and saltine crackers.
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Take over-the-counter medication: Some adults may find it helpful to take loperamide (Imodium A-D) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, others) to manage their symptoms.
It is also important to stay home and get plenty of rest to avoid exposing others to the virus.
