The stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is an intestinal infection often caused by norovirus that leads to vomiting, watery diarrhea and cramps for one to three days. It isn't related to influenza. Urgentology Care in Arlington and Colleyville evaluates dehydration and may provide IV fluids and anti-nausea medicine when appropriate.
Our providers can review your symptoms, evaluate your condition, and discuss appropriate care options based on your individual needs.
Come in for an evaluation if repeated vomiting prevents you from keeping fluids down. Your provider can assess dehydration and determine whether medication or IV fluids may help.
Rest at home, take frequent small sips of fluids and monitor your symptoms. Seek medical care if symptoms worsen or signs of dehydration develop.
Seek emergency care for a child who is difficult to wake, blood in the stool, green vomit or severe abdominal pain. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring immediate evaluation.
Toddlers and Kids
Watch for no wet diaper for 6–8 hours, fewer tears when crying, a dry mouth or unusual sleepiness. Seek prompt medical care if your child cannot keep fluids down or shows signs of dehydration.
Adults
Dizziness, dark urine, dry mouth and reduced urination may indicate dehydration. Seek medical evaluation if symptoms persist or you cannot replace lost fluids.
Older Adults
Confusion, unusual weakness, dizziness or reduced urination may signal dehydration. Older adults can become dehydrated more quickly, so seek prompt medical attention when these symptoms appear.
Step 1: Dehydration Assessment
We review your symptoms, fluid intake and urine output and assess for signs of dehydration to help determine the level of care you need.
Step 2: Anti-Nausea Medicine
When appropriate, we may recommend or prescribe medication to help control nausea and vomiting so you can better tolerate fluids.
Step 3: IV Fluids When Needed
If you are significantly dehydrated or cannot keep fluids down, your provider may recommend IV fluids when appropriate and available.
Step 4: Return-to-School and Work Guidance
We explain how to manage recovery, maintain hydration and reduce the spread of infection. We also discuss when it is appropriate to return to school or work based on your symptoms and applicable health guidance.
Your provider assesses symptoms, fluid intake, urine output and other signs of dehydration to determine whether additional treatment is needed.
Norovirus can spread during illness and for days after symptoms improve. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, since hand sanitizer alone is less effective against norovirus. Clean contaminated surfaces with an appropriate bleach-based disinfectant according to its label. Urgentology Care can advise you on recovery and precautions.
No. The stomach flu is an intestinal illness, often caused by norovirus, that leads to vomiting and diarrhea. Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. A seasonal flu shot does not prevent norovirus gastroenteritis.
Start with frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution. As you feel ready, try easy-to-tolerate foods such as toast, rice or bananas. Avoid forcing food if you feel nauseated. If you cannot keep fluids down or develop signs of dehydration, seek medical care at Urgentology Care.
A child should be evaluated if they cannot keep fluids down, show signs of dehydration, urinate much less than usual or seem unusually sleepy. Seek emergency care if your child is difficult to wake. Urgentology Care in Arlington and Colleyville treats children 12 months and older for appropriate illnesses, including stomach bugs.
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