Ugh. I have the stomach flu. WHat are some things I can do to get rid of it faster?

Question

I tried drinking 7Up, but I can't keep that down! I can only seem to successfully keep all the water I drink in. Does anyone have tips for how I can get better faster?

Thank you, everyone, for the wonderful comments.

Answer 1

1. Accept that you're sick. No matter how much you want to go to school, work, a concert, on a date, etc. just accept the fact that you are sick. One day at home will probably do the trick!
2. Let it happen. With a stomach flu, nausea and diarrhea are both very common. Very gross I know but if need to throw up or go to the bathroom then don't try to fight it. Let it happen, give your body some relief.
3. Clean up. Get a quick shower and put some lounging around clothes back on. Don't worry about looking good, but cleaning up will make you feel better and you won't have to put up with the smells.
4. Sleep a lot. Lay on the couch or in your bed and get comfortable. Allow yourself to sleep for a couple of hours. When you wake up, lounge around. Turn on the TV, try to watch a movie, or surf the Internet. Don't let yourself sleep the whole day though.
5. Change. After lounging around, get dressed in some old clothes. Get out of your lounge clothes. Wash your face with cold water, put on some shoes and sit up. Use this time to call friends, cancel plans, anything that needs to be done.
6. Eat. When you have stomach flu, the last thing you want to do is eat I know. But if your stomach is making all kinds of noises then eat very lightly. Very light cereal (dry) and crackers are best. And try to eat dinner. Don't eat a big meal or something with a lot of flavor or spices. Don't eat late at night either.
7. Drink. The most important thing is to drink a lot of fluids and liquids. Avoid milk, sugary juices and sports drinks, and alcohol. Defiantly avoid orange juice and other acidic drinks (like lemonade). You usually throw up because there is too much stomach acid. So don't drink anything thick or sweet either. Remember light drinks (like water) are best. Don't chug your drink or drink it too hot or cold either.
8. After dinner, don't go to bed, stay awake. Watch a good movie, your favorite show, something that will take anywhere from an hour to hours. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier than usually. Continue with your night routine like brushing your teeth, washing your face, etc. Don't just crash!
9. Once in bed, sit up a little bit. Have some water, Kleenexes, and a trash can just in case. Don't will yourself to sleep. Continue watching TV, movies, or listen to the radio. You could even read! The point is to get your mind off of food and your stomach. If you start to dream about food, other people getting sick, etc. than sit up! Chances are you're going to get sick.
If you do, then aim for the trash can, clean your face up a little and try to go back to sleep.
10. The next day get up a little early. Get ready as your normally would but go slow. Give yourself time. Eat an extremely light breakfast and walk out the door with a smile on your face.
After a day at home, a slow start to the morning you should be OK. But avoid: extreme heat, foods with strong tastes and odors, extremely crowded places. Walk a little slower and again take your time. Too much juggling and jumping around will trigger that awful stomach crap again.

Answer 2

You probably have the stomach virus/intestinal virus that is going around. It will take anywhere from 1 to 3 days to get through your system. Stomach cramping every 15 minutes will subside to every hour or so until your body can get rid of this virus. You will know when you can take fluids again. Have someone go to the drug/grocery store and get you Pedialyte (generic is fine too). Gatorade is not as good because it doesn't have all the electrolytes that your body needs to have restored as a result of the vomiting and dehydration. Get the apple, fruit or plain flavor as it will be less irritating to your stomach. Take small amounts of this, a little at a time, until your stomach starts to feel better. You can also have bland rice, banana and plain toast. Do not over do it. Use common sense and listen to your body. Have Broth or chicken rice/noodle soup when you start to feel that your body is ready for more. Have yogurt only after you are sure that you can keep food down, it will help to restore the natural flora in your digestive system. There is an anti-nausea liquid available, but check with your pharmacist to make sure you can take it.
Have faith, you will feel better and then be sympathetic to those unfortunates who get it after you. This virus is a nasty one.

Answer 3

When our kids were really young and they got stomach flu, their doctor suggested the "BRATY" diet. Here's how it works:

B - Bananas
R - Rice
A - Applesauce
T - Toast
Y - Yogurt

Worked like a charm for the kids. Apparently the key to this is that these items are really easy on the tummy and less likely to come back up. However, if you can't keep anything down at all, I wouldn't force it. As long as you can keep water down, you can go without food for a couple of days. If you can't keep anything down after 48-hours or so, I would consult a physician.

Answer 4

ok well the best thing to do is rest. don't drink anything that you can't keep down, such as the 7up. Ty to keep food intake minimal only eat toast or some soup. You're just going to have to wait it out, viruses can only be cured through rest and time. Hope you feel better.

Answer 5

Just sip water with a little lemon in it, rest the bug has to work itself out of your system. For stomach flu, Time and Rest are the only things that will get rid of it.

Answer 6

Sorry, I have bad news. You have to let it run its course, you can't speed up the process. However you can avoid slowing down the process by resting, keeping well hydrated with water or, if you are having trouble eating anything, a gatorade type drink, and staying calm. All of those things will enable your body to fight its best against whatever bug you have.

Get better soon!

Answer 7

There is no such thing as the stomach flu- But when kids are sick they suggest the BRAT Diet:

Avoid gelatin, cola, ginger ale, fruit juices (especially pear, apple and cherry), sport drinks, cows milk, broth or sweetened teas, and sugar water(or kool aid or gatorade type products).
Do drink plain water.
Serve the BRAT diet (Banana, Rice cereal, Applesauce, and unbuttered Toast) as tolerated.
DO not use any milk products such as ice cream or yogurt.

Answer 8

Drink pediasure. It will keep you highdrated and nourished with all of its vitamines adn electrolytes. This may not make things faster, but it will make you mroe comfortable through the process. Call a Doctor.

Answer 9

7up will come back up when you have the flu. Try taking some Mylanta or Peto Bismol. I know how you feel, I hate when I get that. I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 10

Rest and wear loose comfortable clothing. Your body is already hard at work getting rid of the bug. Hope you feel better!