Wellness Tips from Josef Schenker, MD | Stomach Bug Prevention and Management
Welcome to our Wellness Tips blog series, brought to you by Dr. Josef Schenker, the Medical Director at Centers Urgent Care. In this series, Dr. Schenker shares his vast expertise in internal medicine and emergency care, offering valuable insights on how to live a healthier life and boost your overall well-being.
Dr. Schenker will tackle a variety of essential health topics, providing expert advice on how to steer clear of common health issues. With a focus on prevention and actionable tips, each post is packed with useful tips to help you stay on track and make healthier choices every day.
Stomach Bug Prevention and Management
The stomach bug, also known as viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu, affects 19 to 21 million people yearly. It’s the second-most common illness in the United States. Although symptoms usually resolve on their own, Dr. Josef Schenker says stomach bug prevention and management are crucial, as symptoms can be difficult to manage at home. It’s essential to know at what point you should see your doctor.
Dr. Josef Schenker explains the Stomach Bug:
The stomach flu is caused by different viruses, with Rotaviruses or Noroviruses being the most common culprits. These types of viruses are highly contagious and can affect both children and adults. They’re transmitted via contaminated water, food, utensils, or close contact with an infected person.
Symptoms of Stomach Flu
The stomach flu typically presents with a range of symptoms that can vary in severity. Common symptoms include:
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach Cramps
- Headache
- Muscle Aches
- Fatigue
- Appetite Loss
These symptoms can last from a day to over a week, depending on the virus and the individual’s health condition. It’s important to stay hydrated and rest while managing the symptoms. If symptoms are persistent or severe, seeking medical advice is recommended.
Stomach Bug: When to See a Doctor
If your stomach flu symptoms worsen and become challenging to handle independently, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider. Depending on symptom severity, you can contact your primary care physician or, in emergencies, visit the emergency room or urgent care. These facilities offer essential resources like IV fluids and electrolytes to address potential dehydration or other severe complications.
Urgent Care V.S Emergency Room
Deciding between urgent care and the emergency room for a stomach bug, explains Josef Schenker, MD, depends on the severity of your symptoms. If your symptoms are mild to moderate and manageable, urgent care is typically appropriate. Urgent care centers can provide treatment for stomach bugs, including hydration therapy and medication, without the longer wait times often seen in emergency rooms.
However, if your symptoms are severe, such as persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, or the presence of blood in vomit or stool, it’s best to go to the emergency room for immediate medical attention. The emergency room is equipped to handle more serious cases and can provide intensive care if needed.
Josef Schenker, MD, Explains How to Treat the Stomach Flu at Home
Since a virus causes stomach flu, antibiotics are not effective, meaning there is no direct medical cure. However, there are several ways to manage your symptoms and promote recovery.
Diet and Fluid Intake
Dehydration is a major concern due to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive sweating, which can lead to fluid loss. Staying hydrated is crucial. If you have trouble keeping liquids down, take small sips of water or suck on ice cubes. Electrolyte drinks, such as sports drinks, can also help prevent severe dehydration.
Stick to a bland yet nutritious diet, and continue eating even if it’s difficult to keep food down. Recommended foods include:
- Soft Fruits: Bananas, applesauce, avocado
- Soft or Steamed Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes
- Low-Fiber Starches: White rice, white bread, oatmeal
Foods to Avoid
- Spicy Foods
- Fatty or Fried Foods
- Citrus Fruits
- Caffeinated Beverages and Alcohol
These foods can irritate your gastrointestinal tract and worsen your symptoms. Gradually reintroduce food into your diet, starting with small sips of water and ice chunks. Once vomiting stops, slowly add electrolyte liquids, clear broths, or easily digestible foods like applesauce.
Preventing Stomach Flu
- Wash Hands Regularly: Use soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before eating.
- Disinfect Surfaces: Clean commonly touched surfaces with disinfectants.
- Avoid Close Contact: Stay away from people who are infected.
- Cook Food Thoroughly: Ensure all foods, especially meats, are cooked properly.
- Handle Food Safely: Wash fruits and vegetables, and avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen.
Following these preventive measures, explains Dr. Josef Schenker, can help reduce your risk of contracting the stomach flu.
Josef Schenker, MD, Answers Frequently Asked Questions:
When Is Stomach Flu Season?
Stomach flu outbreaks typically peak during the winter months, particularly from November to April. The virus often spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces or by sharing food, utensils, or beverages with an infected individual. Exercise extra caution during this period to minimize the risk of infection.
Is Stomach Flu Contagious?
Yes, the contagiousness of stomach flu can range from very mild to highly contagious, depending on the specific virus involved and individual circumstances. While some cases may only result in minor transmission, others, particularly those caused by highly contagious viruses like norovirus, can spread rapidly in close quarters, leading to outbreaks in communities, schools, or healthcare settings. It can spread through direct contact with an infected person, contact with contaminated surfaces, consuming contaminated food or water, or airborne transmission via respiratory droplets. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals are essential for preventing its spread.
Can Stomach Bug Cause Fever?
Yes, a stomach bug can sometimes cause a fever. While vomiting and diarrhea are the hallmark symptoms of a stomach bug, fever is also common, especially in cases caused by certain viruses. The fever typically accompanies other gastrointestinal symptoms and is often mild to moderate in intensity. However, if the fever is high or persistent, or if other concerning symptoms develop, it’s important to seek medical advice.
Why Do I Keep Getting Stomach Bugs?
Recurring stomach bugs can stem from various factors, including exposure to different viruses like norovirus or rotavirus, poor hygiene habits such as inadequate handwashing, consumption of contaminated food or water, close contact with infected individuals, underlying health conditions, or travel to regions with higher infection rates. To minimize the risk of recurrent infections, maintaining good hygiene practices, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and ensuring food and water safety are essential preventative measures. If the problem persists, consulting a healthcare provider may be necessary to identify any underlying health issues contributing to the recurrent infections.
How Do You Sleep with The Stomach Flu?
When sleeping with the stomach flu, focus on staying hydrated, keeping your head elevated slightly to reduce nausea, and finding a comfortable position with pillows or cushions. Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime, stay warm, and follow any prescribed medications to alleviate symptoms. Rest as much as needed, even if it means taking short naps during the day, and keep essentials like a basin nearby in case of sudden nausea or vomiting during the night.
How Long Do Stomach Bugs Last?
The duration of a stomach bug can vary depending on factors such as the type of virus causing it, the individual’s immune system, and the severity of symptoms. In general, most stomach bugs resolve within 1 to 3 days. However, some cases may last longer, up to a week or more, especially if the person has a weakened immune system or if complications arise. It’s essential to stay hydrated, rest, and follow proper hygiene practices to help the body recover more quickly.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of the stomach flu that are becoming difficult to manage at home, visit Centers Urgent Care, which recently received UCA accreditation for all 12 of its NYC locations, or book an appointment today.
Our professional and compassionate team, including Dr. Josef Schenker, is here to provide the necessary treatment and support to help you recover quickly. Whether it’s hydration therapy, medication, or expert advice, we’re ready to assist you in getting back on your feet. We operate in 12 locations throughout New York. Find a Centers Urgent Care location near you or book an appointment today!
About Josef Schenker, MD:
Dr. Josef Schenker, a board-certified expert in internal medicine and emergency medical services, brings extensive experience and compassion to his role as Medical Director and Partner at Centers Urgent Care. With leadership in SeniorCare Emergency Medical Services and as an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Dr. Schenker oversees critical care and treatment protocols across varied medical needs. His dedication extends to chairing NYC REMAC, ensuring adherence to state standards in emergency medical procedures. At Centers Urgent Care, Dr. Schenker's expertise ensures prompt, high-quality emergency care for patients of all ages, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated pediatric suite.