There are currently noantiviral medicationsthat can treat viral causes of stomach flu likenorovirusandrotavirus.
There are some medications, however, that can make you feel more comfortable as you recover.
Do I Need Medication for Gastroenteritis?
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
There are no antivirals available to treat norovirus and rotavirus.
This includes home care and over-the-counter remedies or prescription medications.
This may be a sign of a severe bacterial or parasitic infection, both of which require medical treatment.
Medication for Nausea
Anti-emeticsare medications that can ease nausea.
They will neither treat the infection nor improve symptoms.
They may, in fact, make diarrhea worse.
Sometimes gastroenteritis is sparked by bacteria, though this is less common than viral gastroenteritis.
Some antibiotics can cause nausea and diarrhea as a side effect.
Dietary Changes
It may not be possible to keep food down when stomach flu first strikes.
Simply keep hydrated and don’t give a shot to force down food.
That may only lead to vomiting.
When the vomiting stops and you’re better able to tolerate food, start by eating bland foods.
Eat just a little at a time to avoid overtaxing your stomach.
Many people turn to the so-calledBRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
These foods tend to be easy on the stomach and help bind stools so that they are less watery.
Staying home and relaxing can help you recover quicker and prevent others from getting infected.
Probiotics
Some healthcare providers may recommendprobioticsto treat viral gastroenteritis.
Probiotics are live microorganisms, most often bacteria, that normally reside in yourdigestive tract.
Speak with your healthcare provider before using probiotics or any other complementary or alternative medicine (CAM).
Just because something is"natural" doesn’t mean that it is safeor effective.
Self-care treatments include rest, rehydration, and a bland diet.
Over-the-counter painkillers, anti-diarrheals, anti-emetics, and probiotics may help relieve the symptoms of stomach flu.
Prescription anti-emetics can be used if nausea and vomiting are especially severe.
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