Stomach Flu

Viral infections (like colds and flu) can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, these go away without any specific treatment in a few days. A few tips, since there's definitely one going around in the past couple of weeks!

Stay hydrated; the symptoms are only a major problem when they result in dehydration. Any thing you can keep down for over two hours is fine. Popsickles work nicely for this, especially in children.

It is okay to take medicines to relieve the symptoms; they don't make the illness last longer, they just make for less vomiting and diarrhea.

Benadryl works very nicely for relief of nausea or vomiting, and is available everywhere in liquid or capsule forms. Imodium/AD works very effectively for relieving diarrhea.

Warning signs, for which you should be seen:

• Pain
• Vomiting without diarrhea (may be appendicitis or other problem)
• Blood or pus in the diarrhea
  
• Signs of dehydration: decreased urination, dry eyes, dry mouth