This is not medical advice and you should consult a medical professional for medical advice.
Oral Rehydration Therapy
- The primary treatment for stomach bugs is oral rehydration to manage dehydration in children and adults.
- Oral rehydration solutions include a precise mix of salts and sugars that help absorb water.
- Those with severe dehydration may require intravenous fluids in a clinical setting.
Dietary Management
- Patients are encouraged to resume their normal diet as soon as rehydration is achieved.
- Initial foods should be bland and easy to digest, such as bananas, rice, and toast (BRAT diet).
- Symptoms can worsen with caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and highly seasoned or high-fat foods.
Probiotic and Medical Interventions
- Probiotics may help shorten the duration of diarrhea, although further research is needed.
- Over-the-counter medications like loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate can relieve symptoms in adults.
- Antibiotics are not effective against viruses and are rarely needed unless a bacterial infection is identified.
Prevention Strategies
- Proper hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread, involving thorough washing with soap and water.
- Surfaces contaminated with the virus should be disinfected with bleach-based cleaners.
- Rotavirus vaccines can prevent infections in children and reduce incidences of gastroenteritis.
Self-Care and Home Remedies
- Rest is important to help the body’s immune system fight off the virus.
- Sipping on small amounts of fluids continuously can help prevent dehydration.
- In cases of nausea, ginger tea or peppermint can be soothing and help manage symptoms.
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