Home remedies are the first choice of moms and doctors alike to relieve nausea, diarrhea and cramping of common stomach viruses. Viral gastroenteritis, caused by rotavirus, adenovirus, astrovirus or one of the caliciviruses, cannot be cured by medication. But there are a few things you can do to prevent complications.
Onset
Symptoms of stomach viruses begin 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the virus, and may last one to 10 days, with one to three days being the norm.
Symptoms
Stomach virus symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Fever, headache and body aches are less common, but may also be present.
Fluids
Fluids like water or a children's electrolyte drink will help prevent dehydration. If possible, fluids should be taken before the vomiting phase has passed.
Food
Bland foods like plain rice, dry rice cereal or soda crackers, flavored gelatin, ginger ale, broth and juice may be started once vomiting has stopped. Wait 24 hours before consuming other solid foods.
Considerations
Stomach viruses may cause dehydration. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include excessive thirst, reduced urine production, dark yellow urine, lack of tears, weakness, dizziness and feeling lightheaded.
Warning
Infants, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to dehydration and other complications of stomach viruses. Seek medical attention at the first sign of a stomach virus.
Tags: medical attention, stomach viruses