What to Do for the “Stomach Flu”

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A post-holiday crush of patients are crowding into area physician offices and hospital emergency rooms as individuals of all ages suddenly find themselves laid low by a highly contagious and quick-striking virus.

“This bug goes by a lot of names. But whether you call it a stomach flu, a vomiting virus or any other name, the fact is that if you get it you are going to feel badly for a few days,” said Dr. Christopher Zipp, a family physician at the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine. “This virus causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and head and muscle aches. Although the virus itself most often is not a serious health threat, it can cause serious complications like dehydration, which can be especially dangerous for young children and older adults.”

Dr. Zipp offers these tips for surviving a bout with the ‘stomach flu.’

• Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration. Water or half-strength juices are best. Avoid soda or sports drinks as they have little nutritional value, but they can be given to individuals who cannot tolerate the preferred liquids.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Take over-the-counter, non-aspirin pain relievers like acetaminophen for fever and body aches.
• Stay home until fully recovered. Sick individuals may continue to be contagious for up to 72 hours after they feel well again.
• Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus. Wash your hands often and dispose of used tissues immediately. Wash soiled bed linens or clothes separately from other laundry.

“Keep in mind that this illness is caused by a virus. Antibiotics, which work against bacterial infections, will not help you to recover,” Dr. Zipp added. “Most people will begin to feel better after a couple of days, but don’t hesitate to contact your physician if you or a family member experiences extreme symptoms, such as uncontrolled vomiting or a high fever that persists and does not respond to over-the-counter medications.”

The UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine (http://www.som.umdnj.edu) is dedicated to providing excellence in medical education, research and health care for New Jersey and the nation. Working in cooperation with Kennedy University Hospital, its principal affiliate, the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine places an emphasis on primary health care and community health services that reflect its osteopathic philosophy, with centers of excellence that demonstrate its commitment to developing clinically skillful, compassionate and culturally competent physicians from diverse backgrounds, who are prepared to become leaders in their communities.

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) is the nation’s largest free-standing public health sciences university with more than 6,000 students attending the state’s three medical schools, its only dental school, a graduate school of biomedical sciences, a school of health related professions, a school of nursing and its only school of public health on five campuses. Annually, there are more than two million patient visits at UMDNJ facilities and faculty practices at campuses in Newark, New Brunswick/Piscataway, Scotch Plains, Camden and Stratford. UMDNJ operates University Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center in Newark, and University Behavioral HealthCare, which provides a continuum of healthcare services with multiple locations throughout the state.

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Source: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)

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