What should you know about stomach flu stomach virus?

Despite its name, it is not influenza. The main priorities are replacing lost fluid, resting, and watching for signs that dehydration or another illness may need medical assessment.

Viruses can inflame the lining of the digestive tract. This can make the bowel move stools through quickly and make the stomach feel unsettled. Symptoms may begin suddenly, and the combination can leave you tired and unable to eat normally.

Gastroenteritis may pass between people through contaminated hands, food, surfaces, or close contact. Vomiting and diarrhoea are common presentations of viral gastroenteritis, but severe or localised pain can point to a different problem and deserves attention.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, especially after loose stools or vomiting. If drinking triggers vomiting, pause briefly and restart with smaller amounts. When your appetite returns, choose simple foods that feel tolerable and avoid forcing a large meal.

Rest, wash hands carefully with soap and water after using the toilet and before preparing food, and avoid preparing food for others while symptoms are active. Keep an eye on urine output, thirst, dizziness, and unusual sleepiness, which can accompany fluid loss.

Seek urgent medical care for confusion, fainting, trouble staying awake, severe weakness, very little urine, blood in vomit or stool, a swollen abdomen, or severe and worsening abdominal pain. These signs need prompt assessment regardless of the suspected cause.

Contact a clinician if you cannot keep fluids down, symptoms are not settling, fever is concerning, or you are caring for an infant, an older adult, a pregnant person, or someone with a weakened immune system. A clinician can assess hydration and consider other causes of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Ask whether your symptoms fit viral gastroenteritis or whether an examination or test is needed. It can also help to ask which fluids are suitable, whether any medicines are appropriate for your situation, and which warning signs should prompt urgent care.