Gastroenteritis, often called stomach flu, is an infection of the stomach and intestines. It causes watery diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, belly cramps and sometimes fever. It is not related to influenza. Viruses such as norovirus cause most cases, and antibiotics do not help viral illness.
The main danger is dehydration, especially for babies, young children, older adults and people with weak immune systems. Urgent Care Center of Westmont, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, can check your hydration, look for other causes and help you recover safely at home.
The CDC notes that norovirus symptoms usually start 12 to 48 hours after exposure and most people feel better in 1 to 3 days. Common symptoms are:
It spreads through close contact with a sick person, contaminated food or drink, and touching contaminated surfaces. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, clean surfaces, and stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop.
A provider asks about your symptoms, recent food, travel and contacts, and checks for signs of dehydration. Lab tests may be ordered when they will help, such as when there is blood in the stool or symptoms last longer than expected.
Treatment focuses on replacing fluids and salts. MedlinePlus suggests small sips of an oral rehydration solution often, rather than large amounts at once, and avoiding fruit juice and soda. A provider may recommend medicine for nausea when appropriate. Once you feel hungry, you can return to regular foods. You leave with a plan and signs that mean you should come back.
Go to the nearest emergency room for signs of serious dehydration: no urine for 8 hours or more, dizziness or fainting, confusion, extreme sleepiness, a very dry mouth, or no tears in a crying child. In infants, a sunken soft spot on the head is a warning sign. Also seek emergency care for blood in vomit or black or bloody stools, severe belly pain, being unable to keep any fluids down, or chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking, sudden loss of balance or vision), severe bleeding, fainting or a seizure.
We treat stomach illness for people from Westmont, IL and nearby towns, including Downers Grove, IL, Oakbrook Terrace, IL, Woodridge, IL, Burr Ridge, IL and Clarendon Hills, IL.
Walk in or check in online to save your spot. Both locations are open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM: our main clinic at 29 N Cass Ave, Ste A, Westmont, IL 60559, and Immediate Care Center of Westmont Inside Jewel-Osco at 4 E Ogden Ave, Westmont, IL 60559.
Our clinic works with most major insurers, such as Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Multiplan/PHCS and Medicare. Call (630) 324-6825 to confirm that your plan covers your visit and any tests, or review our accepted insurance and costs.
Paying on your own? Read about our flat, upfront self-pay pricing, and ask us for the cost of any lab work before it is done.
For norovirus, most people feel better in 1 to 3 days, according to the CDC. See a provider if diarrhea lasts more than a few days or you show signs of dehydration.
Not for viral gastroenteritis. The CDC and NIH note that antibiotics do not work against viruses. A provider will decide if another cause needs treatment.
Small, frequent sips of an oral rehydration solution. Avoid fruit juice and soda, which can make diarrhea worse.
The CDC advises staying home for 48 hours after symptoms stop, because you can still spread norovirus.
Sources: CDC: About Norovirus, NIDDK: Viral Gastroenteritis, MedlinePlus: Viral gastroenteritis.
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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