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While many people can prevent it through oral fluid management, some may need intravenous (IV) fluids. A stomach virus, or gastroenteritis, is often referred to as “stomach flu.” People typically experience moderate to severe vomiting and diarrhea. When a person has these symptoms for a long period of time, they can become dehydrated, particularly if they cannot keep any oral fluids down. Dehydration can become life threatening and may require IV fluid to correct. What is a stomach virus Share on PinterestLeah Flores/StocksyA stomach virus typically refers to gastroenteritis. While people often call the infection “stomach flu,” it is neither related to seasonal flu, nor does it occur in the stomach. Instead, the virus infects the intestines. However, a stomach virus causes several symptoms that affect a person’s gut. Doctors consider the infection acute, meaning it appears and resolves quickly. Most cases last no longer than 1 week and will typically clear without medical intervention. In some cases, it can lead to dehydration, a potentially fatal complication. Signs and symptoms When viral gastroenteritis occurs, it typically causes symptoms such as:watery diarrheafever in some peoplevomitingnausea cramping or pain in the abdomen People often recover from the infection with no major issues. However, if they are unable to keep fluids down or drink enough, it can lead to dehydration, which can be fatal. Signs and symptoms of dehydration may include:feeling tired or fatiguedextreme thirstheadachesless frequent or lower amount of urinedark-colored urinefeeling faint or lightheadedsunken cheeks or eyeschapped or cracked skin on the lipsskin lacks usual elasticity When are IV fluids necessary Doctors generally recommend a person use oral fluids to help prevent dehydration during the infection. This is typically the first line of defense against dehydration. A person should use sports drinks or other non-caffeinated drinks to replenish liquid and electrolytes. Oral fluid replacement often works for mild cases of dehydration associated with viral gastroenteritis. However, if symptoms of dehydration worsen, a person should consult a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor may recommend IV fluids in the hospital in cases of severe dehydration. Do they help a stomach virus IV fluids will not directly help with a stomach virus. The virus needs to resolve on its own, typically within 1 week. In some cases, a doctor may administer antinausea or diarrhea medication directly to a person’s bloodstream. This does not make the virus go away but may help alleviate symptoms. Otherwise, IV fluids can help rehydrate a person with moderate to severe dehydration. What kind of IV therapy works for a stomach virus IV therapy does not cure a stomach virus. It is used in cases of severe dehydration associated with the virus and, in some cases, delivers medications that may help with symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), experts recommend using Ringer’s lactate solution to help replace fluids and electrolytes in the blood. More standard saline or dextrose solutions can also work if this is unavailable. The CDC also recommends that a person should drink, if possible, even once the IV drip has started. How to get IV therapy for a stomach virus A person should contact a doctor if they have concerns that they or someone else are experiencing dehydration. A primary care doctor can diagnose dehydration and admit the person for treatment in the hospital if necessary. How long do they take to work The amount of time it takes for IV fluids to work can vary. The CDC recommends healthcare staff check a person’s hydration levels every 15–30 minutes. Once a person has rehydrated, they recommend switching from IV fluids to oral solutions. How to use it at home Home healthcare has increased in recent years. Doctors may prescribe it for conditions such as:replacing nutrientsantibiotic delivery pain relief managementhormone deficiency treatment While a doctor may diagnose and prescribe IV fluids for home use, it is more likely they will recommend hospital treatment. Currently, the recommendation for treatment for dehydration occurs at the hospital. Other treatment options Treatment for a stomach virus is limited. For both children and adults, the most important part of treatment is keeping fluids up by drinking juice, sports drinks, or other noncaffeinated liquids. Adults may use over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate to help with their symptoms as the virus runs its course. Parents and caregivers should talk with a pediatrician before giving any OTC medications to children. Contacting a doctor A person should consult a doctor if they notice signs of dehydration in themselves or their children. A doctor can diagnose dehydration and recommend treatment. A person should also consider seeing their doctor if the symptoms of a stomach virus last longer than 1 week. Summary A stomach virus can cause severe dehydration due to excessive vomiting and diarrhea. Some people may need IV fluids to correct it. IV fluids do not treat a stomach virus directly. Instead, a doctor prescribes them to treat moderate to severe dehydration. In some cases, they may also administer medication to reduce symptoms of the infection. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2022GastroIntestinal / GastroenterologyFlugastric 5 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Definition & facts for viral gastroenteritis ("stomach flu"). (2018).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis/definition-factsHow you treat norovirus. (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/treatment.htmlRehydration therapy. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/treatment/rehydration-therapy.htmlSymptoms & causes of viral gastroenteritis ("stomach flu"). (2018).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis/symptoms-causesTreatment of viral gastroenteritis ("stomach flu"). (2018).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis/treatmentFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD — By Jenna Fletcher on June 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat you need to know about stomach flu (gastroenteritis)Medically reviewed by Emelia Arquilla, DO The stomach flu usually lasts for only a few days but symptoms can be highly unpleasant. We discuss how to avoid catching this flu and when to see a…READ MOREWhat you should know about diarrheaMedically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C Diarrhea, which refers to unusually loose or watery stools, is a common problem with many potential causes. 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