How to Treat Diarrhea When You Have the Flu With a Fever

If you have diarrhea when you have the flu with a fever, it may be gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is also known as the stomach flu. This occurs as a result of inflammation of your gastrointestinal tract and may be caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection. You can get stomach flu from contaminated food, water, contact with someone who is infected, dirty utensils, and unwashed hands. You may experience severe abdominal cramping with your diarrhea. Diarrhea may be watery and contain blood. You may also have a fever, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. You need to treat your diarrhea when you have the flu with a fever, because you can dehydrate rapidly. There are steps you can take to treat your diarrhea.

Things You'll Need

• Physical examination
• Antibiotics
• Electrolyte drinks
• Complex carbohydrate foods
• Anti-diarrhea medication

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Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor. You will need a physical examination to determine the cause of your diarrhea. Your doctor will inspect your abdomen for swelling, tenderness, or pain and check your temperature. You may also be asked for a stool specimen so it can be analyzed for blood or parasites. Your treatment will depend on the results of your examination and tests.

• 2

  Take antibiotics. If your diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. According to umm.edu, the University of Maryland Medical Center's website, antibiotic therapy is usually not necessary unless the rest of your body is affected.

• 3

  Replace electrolytes. When you have diarrhea with fever, you lose essential elements called electrolytes. Electrolytes include potassium, sodium and magnesium. These are essential for your heart and muscles. Drinking Gatorade or Pedialyte will replace lost electrolytes and prevent dehydration.

• 4

  Eat complex carbohydrates. You need to replace lost nutrients when you have diarrhea and fever. According to clevelandclinic.org, the Cleveland Clinic's website, potatoes, lean meats such as chicken, and whole grains will help replace lost nutrients.

• 5

  Ask about anti-diarrhea medication. Ask your doctor if an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication would be effective in treating your diarrhea.