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How Long Stomach Bug Last?
Question: Stomach flu ? how long can it last , I've read several online deals that the flu this year can last 3 or more weeks before it resolves
Brief Answer:
Yes,stomach flu needs more than 3 weeks to resolve
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Usually, stomach bug would last for up to 3 weeks of more. So, no need to be freaked out.
What I can understand from your reports is that you have already passed the bad days: diarrhea, loose stool, fever, chills have been resolved.
It is normal to have still abdominal cramps if you are not having diarrhea. I usually advise my patients having stomach bugs as you to take:
- probiotics to normalize intestinal flora
- simethicone for bloating
- papaverin drug for stomach cramps. But, you need to have a prescription for that. Instead, I highly recommend to have pomegranate juice or pomegranate skin tea to relieve the symptoms as a home remedy.
In cases of diarrhea, I usually advise to take a hard-boiled egg with oregano and little salt.
- I also advise to take oral dehydration salt (ORS) that you can find as over the counter drug to replace the lost fluids when having diarrhea.
If you are still having:
- fever
- chills
- diarrhea bouts
- or unusual abdominal pain
then, should go and see your doctor as you might need further evaluations. If you see that symptoms are being resolved, then, do not freak out. It will need time until the symptoms will be totally subsided.
For the moment, I recommend chicken soups, no fatty/fried foods. I encourage to take yogurt, curd, lots of water and other fluids (juice, etc.).
Wish fast recovery! Let me know if I can assist you further!
Dr.Albana
Yes,stomach flu needs more than 3 weeks to resolve
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Usually, stomach bug would last for up to 3 weeks of more. So, no need to be freaked out.
What I can understand from your reports is that you have already passed the bad days: diarrhea, loose stool, fever, chills have been resolved.
It is normal to have still abdominal cramps if you are not having diarrhea. I usually advise my patients having stomach bugs as you to take:
- probiotics to normalize intestinal flora
- simethicone for bloating
- papaverin drug for stomach cramps. But, you need to have a prescription for that. Instead, I highly recommend to have pomegranate juice or pomegranate skin tea to relieve the symptoms as a home remedy.
In cases of diarrhea, I usually advise to take a hard-boiled egg with oregano and little salt.
- I also advise to take oral dehydration salt (ORS) that you can find as over the counter drug to replace the lost fluids when having diarrhea.
If you are still having:
- fever
- chills
- diarrhea bouts
- or unusual abdominal pain
then, should go and see your doctor as you might need further evaluations. If you see that symptoms are being resolved, then, do not freak out. It will need time until the symptoms will be totally subsided.
For the moment, I recommend chicken soups, no fatty/fried foods. I encourage to take yogurt, curd, lots of water and other fluids (juice, etc.).
Wish fast recovery! Let me know if I can assist you further!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you , that is consistent with other advice in the forums , One last question , Usually when I have a cold or the seasonal flu , usually the cold or flu will "settle for a few days in a muscle somewhere , Could this be the tenderness in abdominal region? Its not a deep pain , I can cough , walk etc without any deep pains at all , just a bit touch sensative like I get with a settled cold. I'm starting on yogert today for a few days , thanks , this should be my last question,
Brief Answer:
Yours seems to be a muscular pain due to coughing.
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for following up. I'll welcome every follow up question you might have!
Yes, you are right. Usually, the virus attacks the muscle cells, making feel weak. However, the pain you are having at your lower abdomen is a remaining muscular pain due to:
- diarrhea bouts you had (due to straining)
- coughing
That's why you feel it "just a bit touch sensitive" and not any deep pain. An over the counter pain relief ointment can help or just putting warm clothing.
Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana
If you have further queries, I'll welcome them. Otherwise, kindly rate my answer while closing this thread. Thank you!
Yours seems to be a muscular pain due to coughing.
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for following up. I'll welcome every follow up question you might have!
Yes, you are right. Usually, the virus attacks the muscle cells, making feel weak. However, the pain you are having at your lower abdomen is a remaining muscular pain due to:
- diarrhea bouts you had (due to straining)
- coughing
That's why you feel it "just a bit touch sensitive" and not any deep pain. An over the counter pain relief ointment can help or just putting warm clothing.
Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana
If you have further queries, I'll welcome them. Otherwise, kindly rate my answer while closing this thread. Thank you!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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