Home Remedies For Stomach Flu
Most stomach flu symptoms are the result of dehydration, irritation, and temporary digestive dysfunction—not something that needs aggressive intervention.
Officially, the stomach flu is a virus and is very contagious. It can live up to two weeks on surfaces. When different family members get sick and pass on the contagion, there's no quick, easy relief until the disease has run its course. Let's learn about the stomach flu, its causes and what home remedies for stomach flu you can use.
Stomach Flu vs. Standard Flu
What people actually call the "stomach flu" is not related to influenza, the flu virus. Officially, it's called gastroenteritis. While the flu primarily affects a person's respiratory systems, the stomach flu attacks the gastrointestinal tract. While both are caused by viruses, that's where the similarities end.
It's important to know that when dealing with the stomach flu, symptoms can include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Abdominal pain
Gastroenteritis itself can be caused by two different viruses: norovirus or rotavirus. According to the Mayo Clinic, norovirus causes most of the cases in kids and adults and often lasts just a few days – up to three, and you're contagious that entire time, even if you don't have symptoms anymore. However, babies and young children tend to get the stomach flu from a rotavirus and can be contagious before symptoms appear for up to two weeks after recovery.
Home Remedies That Prevent Stomach Flu
The biggest complication of gastroenteritis is dehydration but the worst problem can be stomach flu contagion! Let's discover some of the home remedies that can prevent the stomach flu.
1. A healthy gut and proper probiotics.
Having a healthy gut is important for many reasons, but using an appropriate probiotic supplement regularly can be a good foundation for optimal health. While it is unclear whether a balanced gut can fend off this virus, a healthy gut will help you get back to health more quickly once it has run its course. You can also help keep your gut health by incorporating fermented foods into your diet.
2. Apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is famous for anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. However, it also can help with nausea, so it's a good treatment once you are sick as well. This is one of the versatile home remedies you can use and may help prevent stomach flu.
3. Quarantine sick family member.
As mentioned, the worst part of the stomach flu is contagion. This means you must be meticulous to quarantine a sick family member from others. Don't let them share towels or blankets or other objects. For younger children, keep track of any toys that are mouthed as well, to thoroughly clean them too.
What Actually Helps
Treatment is simple since the stomach flu commonly clears up on its own. However, a person with stomach flu can get dehydrated and a weakened immune system can make them vulnerable to other viruses, colds or allergies. These simple home remedies for stomach flu should help them recover:
Helps hydration
Water and Electrolytes
The biggest danger of the stomach flu is that it can quickly dehydrate. Because of your upset stomach, you might not want any liquids. That's fine for a little while, but once your stomach seems a little settled, you will need to get water. Of course, we recommend purified water. You might want to try electrolyte drink mixes which also replace essential minerals.
Seltzer Water
One of the age-old home remedies for stomach flu, seltzer can relieve pent-up gas if you are not feeling the urge to vomit or have diarrhea. Be sure to buy plain seltzer with no flavor or additives.
Supports digestion
Ginger
This can help nausea as well. You can chew on a ginger root or you can make ginger tea if you can tolerate a hot drink. You can also try sugar-free ginger ale soda if all else fails.
BRAT Diet
Banana, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast are the components of the BRAT diet that you can try once you start to get hungry. You can also try plain bland crackers.
Gives rest to the gut
Peppermint Essential Oil
Essential oils can help with many different illnesses. For the stomach flu, diffused peppermint oil can bring also relief, including reducing painful stomach cramps. Dilute 2-3 drops in a diffuser [for children only over the age of three]. For younger children, avoid peppermint, but you can try spearmint essential oil.
Activated Charcoal
This is one of those home remedies for stomach flu that will make you vomit. However, vomiting helps the body process the virus more quickly. It is not recommended for children under the age of three, and you should use it sparingly even for older kids. Adults can take 2 capsules a few times a day. For a child I wouldn't use more than 1 capsule a day, spread over time.
Don't Mind The Fever
A fever won't normally get too high with gastroenteritis. Just let it run its course unless it breaks 104 degrees or more.
Tips For Cleaning During And After The Stomach Flu
Your next biggest challenge is finding a safe way to clean and fight the germs. The rotavirus that causes stomach flu in younger children is extremely difficult to kill and can live for days on surfaces that an infected child has touched.
The CDC recommends using bleach to do all cleaning as it is guaranteed to be effective in killing the norovirus, but it might be too harsh for your family. Some tips for safeguarding your family include:
- Use a safe cleaning product that can balance good and bad bacteria.
- Wash linens frequently in hot water.
- If you do choose to use bleach, at least us chlorine-free brand.
- Use rubber gloves for handling infected clothing and items, cleaning and for changing diapers.
- Clean items immediately so germs don't spread.
- Clean "splash radius" around your toilet bowl after a child gets sick.
- Wash laundry in hot water with detergent or Borax immediately
- Use baking soda to remove stains from carpeting and fabrics.
As the stomach flu spreads this cold and flu season, you can take steps to ensure that your family does not suffer too much or too long. Hopefully, these home remedies for stomach flu will keep your family safe.
HOW WE CAN HELP
A popular alternative to bleaches and cleaners is nano-silver liquid with an extended kill time for pathogens.
Once the acute phase passes, supporting digestion and replacing nutrients can help normalize appetite and comfort.
Based on an article by Gina Badalaty for The Healthy Moms Magazine and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network.
Updated for 2025 based on current digestive health guidance.