How IV Fluids Help With the Stomach Flu

Table of Contents

1. Stomach Virus Symptoms
2. Best IV Vitamins for Stomach Virus
3. Using an IV Drip for the Flu
4. Start Feeling Better Today

We all know the telltale signs: chills, body aches, and nausea. When these symptoms rear their ugly heads, we know that the flu is coming on. Even a mild case of the flu can make you feel like crawling into bed and never coming out again. This is partly because the virus can cause vomiting and diarrhea — and that can lead to dehydration, which can make you feel even worse. And that’s why it’s so important to get plenty of fluids when you’re fighting off the flu.

Treating the flu calls for plenty of fluids, and Lone Star IV Medics can deliver stomach virus IV fluids straight to your front door. Keep reading to find out how IV therapy can help you beat this year’s flu season.

If you catch a stomach virus, the best thing to do is hydrate and rest while the virus runs its course. However, it is also important to remember that the stomach flu can become dangerous if your symptoms get too severe. Visit your doctor right away if you experience symptoms like:

• Bloody vomit or stool.
• A fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Vomiting that lasts longer than two days in a row.
• An inability to keep water down without vomiting.

It’s also essential to watch for signs of dehydration as you fight your stomach flu. As your body loses fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, it’s easy to become dangerously dehydrated. Make sure you’re replenishing your fluids regularly, and seek medical help if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Extreme fatigue
• Confusion and brain fog
• Rapid heartbeat
• Decreased urination
• Mood swings

How Long Do Stomach Flu Symptoms Last?

Your symptoms can last for as little as one to three days or as long as up to two weeks. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause. 

Often, the virus will only last for a day or two. However, people with weaker immune systems may have lingering symptoms. If you are unable to keep liquids down for longer than 24 hours, have severe stomach pain, or experience diarrhea or vomiting for more than two days, be sure to contact your doctor immediately. 

How to Prevent the Stomach Virus

Stomach flu prevention can be simple. The stomach virus is easily transferrable, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to reduce your contact with bacteria. You can prevent the stomach bug by:

• Washing your hands: We perform most activities with our hands, and when bacteria rest on them, we risk spreading them to other people and areas of our bodies. The stomach bug often transmits through hands and mouths, making it essential to keep clean. Using warm water and quality soap can reduce the number of germs on your hands, lessening your chances of becoming sick. 
• Rinsing vegetables and fruits: Washing your food before eating removes bacteria that could be hiding in your produce. Scrub your produce and rinse your food under clean, running water. You may need to submerge some fruits, like strawberries, and rinse them in a bowl to ensure you clean them adequately. You can even wash foods with peels or rinds that wouldn’t typically need to be rinsed. For example, washing a banana or orange before peeling it open can prevent bacteria from the peel from coming in contact with the parts you eat. 
• Cooking food thoroughly: The norovirus is a leading cause of outbreaks in the United States. Eating or handling raw food can increase your risk of attracting this bacteria. Noroviruses can survive high temperatures, and many quick steaming processes will not kill the virus. Whether the food obtained the virus on the farm or from contaminated water, rinsing and thoroughly cooking your food, especially shellfish, can help you stay healthy. 
• Avoiding those who are sick: The stomach flu is very contagious. If you come in contact with someone with the stomach virus, you increase the chances of contracting it yourself. Avoid contact with those you know are sick, and take measures, like washing your hands, if you do come in contact with someone with the virus.

Common Remedies for Stomach Virus

Despite your best efforts, you may contract the stomach virus. Although there are no specific treatments to fight against the virus, there are several self-care measures you can take. While you’re sick, be sure to make yourself comfortable and prevent dehydration. Try these common remedies:

• Let your stomach settle: When you’re down for the count with the stomach flu, the first step toward recovery is letting your stomach settle. You should avoid solid foods for a few hours to relieve distress or nausea. It may help to suck on ice chips during this time. 
• Take small sips of water: Staying hydrated is essential when you’re sick. Although eating or drinking may seem unappealing, small sips of water can work wonders. You can also try drinking clear soda, noncaffeinated sports drinks or clear broths. Taking small, frequent sips will help you get the fluid you need to feel better and prevent worsening symptoms. 
• Ease into eating: When you find your appetite returning, it’s important to ease into food. Bland or easy-to-digest food will likely be the best options during this time. Noodles, bananas, crackers, oats or rice are excellent options. If you become nauseous during or after your meal, stop eating until the nausea subsides. 
• Avoid some substances and food: Some foods and substances can worsen your stomach bug. For instance, spicy, highly seasoned or fatty foods can irritate your body and worsen symptoms. Substances like nicotine, caffeine and alcohol can also worsen symptoms. 
• Sleep and relax: People are often exhausted when they have a stomach bug. Dehydration coupled with the illness itself can make you sleepy or feel weak. Rest up by taking naps or taking it easy around your home. Avoid making any plans, and find a comfortable position on the couch or in your bed for the next couple of hours. 
• Try anti-diarrhea medications: Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide relief for diarrhea. Always read the ingredients and instructions before taking a medication. Additionally, do not take these medications if you are experiencing a fever or bloody diarrhea. Instead, call your doctor immediately. 

The Best Vitamins for the Stomach Bug 

What can you do if you become dehydrated while fighting your stomach virus? And will IV fluids help with the flu? Absolutely!

IV treatments hydrate your body quickly by sending fluids straight into your bloodstream for almost instant relief. Flu IV treatments also take things one step further by adding essential vitamins and minerals into the IV bag. These vitamins can help your body recover from the virus more quickly and help you feel better in the process. Check out these vitamins to support your immune system and make it less likely you’ll 

Vitamin B Complex

B vitamins play a major role in boosting your body’s immune system. This is why many IVs for stomach flu will include a vitamin B complex — also known as a blend of all 8 B vitamins. 

The vitamins in a B complex are:

• B1 (thiamine): This vitamin helps electrolytes flow in and out of muscles and can help stop diarrhea. It also converts nutrients into energy, helping you feel less lethargic.
• B2 (riboflavin): B2 helps prevent or treat headaches, especially migraines, and can act as an antioxidant.
• B3 (niacin): Niacin helps improve the health of your nervous and digestive systems and plays a role in DNA repair and production. 
• B5 (pantothenic acid): This vitamin helps with the production of red blood cells.
• B6 (pyridoxine): B6 helps boost your immune system and is involved in red blood cell production. 

When you include vitamin B complex in your stomach virus IV fluids, your body can experience an overall boost of health and wellness, which can help you recover from your illness more quickly.

Vitamin B12

We touched briefly on vitamin B12 above, but this vitamin can be especially helpful when you’re treating a virus like the stomach flu. Vitamin B12 can enhance your body’s ability to fight bugs like norovirus or rotavirus, which means you’ll be able to beat that flu and get back to your life sooner.

Additionally, vitamin B12 can help stabilize your mood and decrease feelings of depression and anxiety. Studies have also shown that B12 can cause a decrease in pain intensity, impaired concentration and memory loss. Everyone knows that having stomach flu can make you feel absolutely miserable, so any vitamin that can brighten your day is a must-have in your flu IV treatment.

Vitamin C

People have long celebrated vitamin C as the perfect nutrient for fighting off seasonal illnesses. This is because vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect our cells from the damage that viruses, bacteria and free radicals can cause. Vitamin C also bolsters your immune system, giving it extra support as it fights the virus that’s making you sick. 

While research suggests that vitamin C cannot prevent illnesses like the common cold or stomach flu, research indicates it can help reduce your symptoms and possibly even shorten your illness.