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What to Take for a Stomach Virus

There are a number of different strains of stomach viruses including adenoviruses, sapoviruses, and astroviruses. While babies and children less than five years old are at a slightly elevated risk, anyone can catch a stomach virus. In the United States, flu season is at its peak during the winter months. There is no single cure for these virus, but there are a number of medications, liquids, and foods that can be taken - or avoided - to decrease the length of the illness and how serious it becomes.

  1. Medications

    • Medications should not be taken without first consulting a doctor. Because it is a viral rather than a bacterial infection, the drugs will treat the symptoms rather than the virus itself. Nausea caused by a stomach virus can be treated with Dramamine, as long as you are not pregnant. Over the counter drugs to reduce diarrhea include Donagel or Kaopectate. Some doctors disapprove of using drugs to limit vomiting or diarrhea because throwing up and excretion are two ways for the stomach to expel the virus. Restricting these can lengthen the time it takes for the stomach to get rid of the virus.

    What to Drink

    • Dehydration is an often overlooked effect of diarrhea and constant vomiting. Both water and nutrients are lost and are not replenished so it is important to sip fluids. Start with very small amounts, sometimes as small as a tablespoon at a time, and slowly increase the amount as you are able to keep it down. If it is the only liquid you can keep down, water is better than nothing to consume. However, water does not contain and minerals, sodium, or potassium that are needed. As soon as you are able, start drinking apple juice or even tea. Avoid drinking anything acidic, like orange juice, so as not to further upset your stomach. Soda and coffee are also advised against because of the caffeine and carbonation. However, sodas can be consumed if they are allowed to become flat first.

    What to Eat

    • The digestive system needs time to rest and fight the virus before it will be able to handle food. Wait a couple of hours after the vomiting stops before trying to eat solid food again. When you start to eat, eat softer foods like applesauce, crackers, and dry toast. Because they are harder to digest, fatty foods and rough grains should not be consumed while recovering. Spicy and acidic foods should also be avoided. After around two days, you should be able to be able to consume a regular diet again.

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