![\"woman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/680a1ce2d14a153ef46300d8cf781b44.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Doctors Share Tips for Treating a Stomach Bug Ekaterina Goncharova – Getty Images<\/p>\n
Cases of the uber-contagious stomach bug, norovirus, surge every winter. The highly-contagious (and serious) illness is notoriously unpleasant, so figuring out how to treat a stomach bug fast can go a long way in speeding up your recovery.<\/p>\n
Norovirus symptoms<\/a> are no joke, says William Schaffner, M.D.,<\/a> an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. \u201cMany people report having diarrhea on the toilet and leaning over to vomit in the sink simultaneously.\u201d It doesn\u2019t take much to catch it, either. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it takes fewer than 100 norovirus particles to make someone sick, and people with the virus can shed billions of viral particles alone in their vomit and feces.<\/p>\n Meet the experts: Thomas Russo, M.D.,<\/a> professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York, William Schaffner, M.D.,<\/a> an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Amesh A. Adalja, M.D<\/a>., a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security<\/p>\n Unfortunately, there is no cure. If you do get infected and are suffering from a painful stomach ache<\/a> or other symptoms, there are several things you can do at home to ride out the virus more comfortably. Here\u2019s what doctors want you to know about how to treat a stomach bug.<\/p>\n How to treat a stomach bug quickly<\/p>\n There is no specific medication to treat stomach bugs or norovirus, nor are there vaccines to prevent them. However, doctors say there are a few things you can do at home to stay as comfortable as possible (and hopefully therefore speed up your recovery!) while dealing with the illness.<\/p>\n Take small sips of liquids<\/p>\n Dehydration is a big concern with norovirus, making it important to try to stay hydrated<\/a> as much as possible, Dr. Schaffner says. \u201cTake small sips of fluids,\u201d he says. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to put too much in your stomach at once because it may come up right away.\u201d<\/p>\n Replenish electrolytes<\/p>\n Drinks that contain electrolytes<\/a>, like sports drinks, may be a good option if you have them, says Thomas Russo, M.D.,<\/a> professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York. \u201cYou can even try watered-down juices to give you glucose,\u201d he says. (When you\u2019re dealing with vomiting and diarrhea, your glucose\u2014a.k.a. blood sugar\u2014levels may dip, Dr. Russo explains. Having glucose in this situation may help increase your energy levels.)<\/p>\n Take acetaminophen<\/p>\n If you feel like you can keep it down, acetaminophen (a.k.a. Tylenol) may help combat a fever and any aches and pains you may have, Dr. Russo says. However, he suggests avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. \u201cSome people can get gastric irritation with them,\u201d Dr. Russo says. \u201cYou\u2019ve already got something irritating your stomach, and you don\u2019t want to pile on.\u201d<\/p>\n Try to eat something bland<\/p>\n If your stomach won\u2019t tolerate it, Dr. Schaffner stresses that you\u2019ll be OK just having liquids for a day or two (barring any medications that may require you to eat). But if you feel like you can get something down, focus on \u201ceating something bland,\u201d says Amesh A. Adalja, M.D<\/a>., a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. That includes focusing on the BRAT diet<\/a> (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) until your nausea and vomiting have stopped.<\/p>\n How do I avoid getting norovirus?<\/p>\n Norovirus is extremely contagious and is most commonly spread through direct contact with someone who is infected, eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated liquids, or touching contaminated objects and surfaces, according to the CDC<\/a>. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no way to guarantee you won\u2019t catch the stomach bug, but the CDC does recommend taking the following easy steps to reduce your risk:<\/p>\n Wash your hands often and well<\/p>\n Thoroughly cook shellfish and wash produce<\/p>\n Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces when possible<\/p>\n Wash laundry in hot water<\/p>\n If you are sick, stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop<\/p>\n When to see a doctor<\/p>\n