Can stomach flu be treated at home, or is medical treatment necessary?

Doctor's Answers 1

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan
Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

Stomach flu is a self-limiting condition which usually recovers spontaneously within a week. Depending on the symptoms and the severity, some cases may require medical treatment including intravenous hydration and administration of anti-vomiting medicine. Adequate hydration is the cornerstone of treatment in most cases regardless of the route of administration. If oral hydration at home is possible, most will recover without any medical treatment.

Some people may experience lingering bloating and transient appetite loss immediately after the infection. This is quite common and one should not get too worried about it. However, if there is persistent or recurrent vomiting, weight loss and persistent loss of appetite, it will be prudent to seek medical attention soonest possible.

- Dr Quan

Similar Questions

Is my throat movement abnormal if I feel it moving to the right when I swallow?

Thank you for your question. I would need to understand your symptom better as the throat is a symmetrical structure and moves symmetrically (right and left sides) on swallowing. Since you mentioned that you have a "flu" a few weeks back and it appears to be coming back, there is a possibility that you may be feeling the mucous from the back of your nose flowing down the back of your throat (maybe more on the right side), hence giving you the feeling that your throat is "moving to the right".

Photo of Dr Eng Cern Gan

Answered By

Dr Eng Cern Gan

ENT Doctor

How to distinguish between stomach flu or food poisoning?

Both gastric flu can and food poisoning may present with similar symptoms and difficult to differentiate although the former tends to present more with fever, nausea and vomiting while the latter is associated with ingestion of contaminated food that cause cramps and diarrhoea most times. As far as treatment is concerned, adequate hydration is the most important aspect besides controlling symptoms. In some cases, a course of antibiotics may be required for suspected bacteria infection especially if the fever is associated with blood stain stools.

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan

Answered By

Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox