What helps the stomach flu in the elderly?

What helps the stomach flu in the elderly?

Bed rest is the top prescription for treating norovirus patients. Plenty of rest is important, as is hydration due to the loss of fluids. Some doctors recommend sports drinks or other over-the-counter remedies for replenishing critical nutrients and minerals.

What are the signs and symptoms of the stomach flu?

Signs and symptoms of stomach flu depend on the cause. The most frequent signs and symptoms of viral stomach flu include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Signs and symptoms of bacterial stomach flu include fever, and bloodied diarrhea (hemorrhagic gastroenteritis).

Can a child get the stomach flu from an adult?

Children with the stomach flu or gastroenteritis have similar symptoms to adults, but also may have symptoms such as refusing to drink or being very thirsty. The main way contagious causes of the stomach flu are spread is person to person via the fecal-oral route.

How long can you be contagious with the stomach flu?

Someone who has the stomach flu can be contagious for a few days up to 14 days or longer. The period is determined by which exact virus is causing a case of the stomach flu. ( 11) So how do you get rid of the stomach flu?

Is the stomach flu caused by the same virus?

But the symptoms are not identical and they are not caused by the same virus. Viral infections are the top cause of gastroenteritis. However, certain types of bacteria or parasites and food-borne illnesses (such as from undercooked shellfish) can also lead to a case of stomach flu.

What are the symptoms of the stomach flu?

“Stomach flu symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea,” Miller says. “A low-grade fever, chills and muscle aches aren’t uncommon to experience as well. These symptoms can last anywhere from one to 14 days, and unfortunately, the stomach flu is extremely contagious.

How long can you be contagious from the stomach flu?

You can be contagious from a few days up to two weeks or more, depending on which virus is causing your stomach flu (gastroenteritis). A number of viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including noroviruses and rotaviruses. The contagious period — the time during which a sick person can give…

Can a stomach bug be caused by a virus?

It’s usually caused by a virus, but it’s not the flu virus, so it’s not actually stomach flu. Bacteria and parasites also can cause it. Gastroenteritis causes diarrhea, nausea, and possibly vomiting.

Can a family member get the stomach flu?

This “winter vomiting bug,” or stomach flu, is known by doctors for being “a family affair.” In other words, if one person in the family gets it, most likely every family member in the household will get it because it’s that contagious! ( 1, 2) How do you get rid of the stomach flu?