When a stomach virus hits, it can feel like everything stops. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and exhaustion can wipe you out for days. While most cases resolve on their own, there are ways to recover faster — and avoid making it worse.
Here’s what Sickday’s licensed clinicians — including certified physician assistants and nurse practitioners — recommend when dealing with a stomach virus at home in NYC.
🤢 Understanding a Stomach Virus
Most stomach bugs (like norovirus) are viral infections, meaning antibiotics won’t help. These viruses are highly contagious and usually spread through:
- Contaminated food or water
- Close contact with an infected person
- Surfaces touched by someone who’s sick
Symptoms typically include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Watery diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue
✅ What Actually Helps You Recover
1. Hydration is the #1 Priority
The biggest risk during a stomach virus is dehydration. Our clinicians recommend:
- Electrolyte drinks (Pedialyte, Liquid I.V., or watered-down Gatorade)
- Clear fluids like broth, tea, or water
- Small sips every few minutes — even if you feel nauseous
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary sodas
2. Eat Light — and Only When Ready
Once vomiting subsides, introduce:
- Bananas
- Plain white rice
- Applesauce
- Toast
- Unsweetened oatmeal or crackers
Avoid dairy, fried food, and anything spicy or acidic until you’re fully recovered.
3. Rest and Isolate
Your body needs sleep to fight off the virus. Also, give others space — these bugs are extremely contagious.
4. Medications (If Appropriate)
- Anti-nausea medications like Ondansetron (prescribed by a clinician) can help prevent vomiting
- Anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) should be used only with clinician guidance — they’re not safe for all cases
- Acetaminophen can reduce discomfort or fever
🏠 When to Call Sickday
You don’t need to drag yourself to urgent care. Sickday provides same-day or next-day house calls across all five NYC boroughs.
Call us if:
- You can’t hold down fluids
- You’re unsure whether it’s a virus or food poisoning
- You need anti-nausea medication
- You want peace of mind without leaving your apartment
Our licensed clinicians will assess your condition, treat your symptoms, and guide your recovery — all from the comfort of your home.
🚩 When to Seek Emergency Help
Don’t wait if you notice:
- Blood in vomit or stool
- High fever
- Signs of dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, confusion)
- Ongoing vomiting for more than 24 hours
- Severe abdominal pain
Sickday makes stomach virus recovery safer, simpler, and faster.
Book an in-home visit with a licensed clinician and feel better, sooner.
