Viral gastroenteritis is the medical term for what people commonly call stomach flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms include fever, headache, abdominal pain and, of course, vomiting and watery diarrhea. Many viruses cause stomach flu. Most cases respond to symptom-based remedies; severe or unremitting symptoms should be evaluated by a health-care provider.
Fever
Over-the-counter medications that treat fever do not work well for stomach flu, because they rarely stay in the body long enough to allow absorption. Instead, the CDC recommends that caregivers maintain the home or sick room at a comfortably cool temperature and open a window to keep fresh air flowing. The sick person should dress in light, loose, breathable clothing, adding layers for chills and removing layers damp with sweat. Caregivers can also try bathing the face, arms and neck of a sick person with a cool cloth or running a tepid bath for those who feel well enough.
Vomiting
While effective medications to treat vomiting exist, vomiting due to stomach flu helps to expel the virus from the body. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends positioning infants and young children on the belly or side to reduce the risk of aspirating vomit. The same technique works well for people with mobility problems. Caregivers can help reduce exertion and minimize the risk of falls by providing towels and a clean bowl or basin or a plastic-lined trash receptacle at the bedside or setting up a pillow and blanket near the sink or toilet for people who prefer to remain in the bathroom. Frequent small sips of clear fluids can help maintain hydration without exacerbating vomiting. The American Academy of Family Physicians advises waiting 30 to 60 minutes after each bout of vomiting before attempting to drink.
Diarrhea
As with vomiting, preventing diarrhea due to stomach flu isn't usually desirable. Allow the patient to stay close to the bathroom and keep it well stocked with toilet tissue. After that, caregivers should direct therapeutic efforts toward replacing lost fluid and electrolytes. Good choices, according to the AAFP, include clear liquids such as water, diluted fruit juice, oral hydration solutions, gelatin and frozen treats made from these ingredients. Gatorade and Pedialyte are two examples of commercially available oral rehydration solutions. Caregivers can make their own by combining 8 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt and 4 cups of water.
