When to Go to Urgent Care for Stomach Flu Treatment

When Should I Go to Urgent Care for the Stomach Flu?

Most adults know the horror of knowing you’ve got the stomach flu — the dread, the panic, the just wanting it to be over. One moment you’re feeling fine, the next, you’re overcome with nausea or indigestion that has you quickly excusing yourself.

The stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is an infection that affects the stomach and intestines, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Unlike influenza (the flu), which is a respiratory illness, the stomach flu primarily impacts your digestive system.

Researchers estimate between 19 to 21 million Americans get the stomach flu every year.

It’s normally caused by one of these four viruses attacking your gastrointestinal system:

• Adenovirus or Astrovirus mainly in young kids and older adults
• Norovirus affects people of all ages
• Rotavirus is most common in children

While most cases resolve with rest and hydration, is there a point at which you should go to an urgent care center for the stomach flu? Keep reading to learn more about these viral infections, symptoms and when to seek medical care.

Common Stomach Flu Symptoms

For most kids and adults, symptoms of the stomach flu usually start within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and last for one to three days.

However, some populations — infants, elderly adults and people with compromised immune systems — are at a higher risk of more severe symptoms.

If your symptoms worsen or don't go away after a day or two, go to your nearest urgent care center for medical attention.

Typical stomach flu symptoms include:

• Abdominal cramps or pain
• General muscle ache
• Headache
• Nausea
• Non-bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Low-grade fever
• Tiredness

When to Go to Urgent Care for Stomach Flu

While most cases of the stomach flu improve on their own at home, sometimes you need extra support to recover. Your local urgent care center is the right place for fast relief and rehydration when symptoms linger or worsen.

Visit your local AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care center if you experience the following:

• Abdominal pain or cramps that worsen or won't go away
• Diarrhea or vomiting lasting longer than two to three days
• Fever climbing above 101°F in adults or 102°F in children
• Swollen lymph nodes
• You can’t keep liquids down for 24 hours
• You notice blood in your stool or vomit
• You’re caring for an infant, elderly adult or immunocompromised family member who may need additional care
• You're showing signs of dehydration

What to Expect During Your Urgent Care Visit

When you go to a local walk-in clinic for urgent care services, you’ll likely experience the following when getting your diagnosis and treatment:

1. Upon arrival, check in with the front desk attendant to let them know you're there and to complete any necessary paperwork.
2. Your provider will ask you about the symptoms you're experiencing.
3. Your health care provider will perform a quick physical exam and may ask you questions regarding your medical history.
4. Your physician will evaluate your hydration status and recommend oral rehydration fluids as needed.
5. Your urine or stool may be sent for diagnostic testing to check for signs of infection.
6. Your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medications if appropriate.
7. Before you leave, your physician will provide you with home-care tips to help you feel better as quickly as possible.

When to Go to the Emergency Room for Stomach Flu

In some rare cases, and in certain populations such as babies and older adults, a stomach bug can become an emergency. Closely monitor high-risk populations and go to the ER if you or a loved one experiences:

• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Fainting or lethargy
• High fever over 103°F or over 102°F that does not break for more than two days
• Infants showing signs of severe dehydration, such as a dry diaper for more than three hours and no tears when crying
• Persistent vomiting with inability to keep down any fluids
• Severe or localized abdominal pain (especially lower right side)
• Signs of severe dehydration, such as extreme thirst and very little or no urination in adults
• Very bloody stool or vomit

At-Home Care and Recovery Tips

Whether you decide to stay at home and let your stomach flu symptoms resolve on their own or visit your local urgent care for stomach flu treatment, recovery always requires rest, hydration and a gentle reintroduction to foods.

Keep you and your loved ones on the road to recovery by:

• Avoiding caffeine, alcohol and sugary beverages
• Getting plenty of rest
• Staying hydrated by sipping clear fluids like water, sports drinks or broths frequently
• Sucking on ice chips is an option if drinking fluids is too much for your stomach

How Long Does the Stomach Flu Last?

For most people, the stomach flu will last for one to three days with enough rest and hydration.

Moderate cases of the stomach flu can take up to a week to resolve, especially if you've become dehydrated.

If your stomach flu symptoms last for longer than seven days, make sure to visit your nearest urgent care center to be evaluated by a physician.

Learn more about how to beat the stomach flu.

Prevention: How to Avoid the Stomach Flu

Practicing good hygiene in all aspects of your life is key to protecting yourself from the stomach flu and other viruses or bacteria.

• Avoid sharing drinks or food when someone is sick. Do your best to avoid the infected person or quarantine if you’re sick.
• Cook and store food safely! The norovirus, which causes most stomach flu cases, can survive freezing temperatures and withstand temperatures up to 145°F.
• Eat healthy and exercise regularly. A healthy immune system is more equipped to fight off infections.
• Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces in your home and office, such as countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, toys, phones and remotes.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals and after using the bathroom.

Get Compassionate, Same-Day Stomach Flu Treatment

No one wants to catch the stomach flu. Unfortunately, it's quite common because it can easily spread from person to person.

If you or a loved one needs medical attention for the stomach flu, our AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care centers are ready to provide same-day care, including evenings and weekends, as well as onsite testing and oral rehydration for recovery.

Don’t let dehydration or stomach discomfort linger — AdventHealth Centra Care is ready to help you feel better fast. Walk in or reserve your spot online today.