Experiencing nausea while sick with the flu can make an already miserable time even worse. Although true influenza is a respiratory illness, gastrointestinal distress can occur as a side effect of your body's immune response to the virus. The good news is that for most people, flu-related nausea is manageable at home with supportive care and a few simple remedies.
First-line Defense: Rest and Hydration
Before reaching for any medication, the most critical steps are resting and staying hydrated, especially if vomiting is involved. Dehydration can exacerbate nausea, creating a vicious cycle.
Prioritizing Fluids
- Small, frequent sips: If you're nauseous, trying to gulp down a large glass of water can trigger vomiting. Instead, take small, frequent sips of fluid throughout the day.
- Clear liquids: Plain water is good, but you can also try other clear liquids like clear broth, electrolyte solutions (e.g., Pedialyte), and herbal teas like ginger or peppermint.
- Avoid irritants: Stay away from overly sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice, as well as alcohol and caffeine, which can irritate the stomach and worsen symptoms.
- Sucking on ice: If even small sips are too much, try sucking on ice chips or frozen fruit pops to get some fluids in without overwhelming your stomach.
Bland Diet and Rest
When your stomach has settled and you feel ready to eat again, stick to a bland diet, often referred to as the BRAT diet. These foods are gentle on your digestive system and can help replenish energy lost during illness.
- Bland foods: Eat plain, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce.
- Smaller portions: Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones to avoid overwhelming your digestive system.
- Rest: Fatigue is a major symptom of the flu, and resting helps your body conserve energy to fight the virus.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
For mild to moderate nausea, several OTC options are available, but it's important to choose the right one and consider any potential side effects or contraindications.
Common OTC Anti-Nausea Options
- Bismuth Subsalicylate (e.g., Pepto-Bismol): This medication works by protecting the stomach lining and is effective for nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea associated with flu or food poisoning. It is not recommended for children under 12 or for those with allergies to salicylates like aspirin due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
- Phosphorylated Carbohydrate (e.g., Emetrol): This liquid solution works by calming an upset stomach and is considered safe for both adults and children over two.
- Dimenhydrinate (e.g., Dramamine): An antihistamine primarily used for motion sickness, it can also help with other causes of mild nausea. A key side effect is drowsiness, so it should be used with caution, especially if operating machinery.
- Meclizine (e.g., Dramamine Less Drowsy, Bonine): Also an antihistamine, meclizine works similarly to dimenhydrinate but with less potent sedative effects. It is effective for motion sickness-related nausea but may not be the best choice for general flu nausea.
Prescription Medications for Severe Nausea
If you are experiencing severe or persistent nausea and vomiting that is preventing you from staying hydrated, a doctor may prescribe a stronger anti-emetic.
Common Prescription Options
- Ondansetron (Zofran): This is a powerful anti-emetic that works by blocking serotonin receptors in the brain and gut that trigger nausea. It is often used for severe cases, including post-surgery or chemotherapy-induced nausea.
- Metoclopramide (Reglan): This medication can help relieve nausea and vomiting by increasing stomach muscle contractions and speeding up stomach emptying.
- Promethazine (Phenergan): An antihistamine with strong sedative effects, promethazine can be prescribed for severe nausea and vomiting. It is not typically a first-choice treatment due to the risk of abuse.
Natural and Non-Pharmacological Remedies
In addition to medical treatments, several natural and behavioral approaches can help soothe an upset stomach.
Natural Approaches
- Ginger: Known for its anti-nausea properties, ginger can be consumed in various forms, such as ginger tea, ginger ale (made with real ginger), ginger chews, or capsules. Many studies support its effectiveness, particularly for mild stomach upset.
- Peppermint: Peppermint can also have a soothing effect on the stomach. Sipping on peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint essential oil may provide relief.
- Acupressure: Applying pressure to the P6 acupoint on the inner wrist has been shown to help with nausea. Wristbands designed for this purpose are available over-the-counter and can be worn for continuous relief.
- Fresh air and deep breathing: Sometimes, simply getting fresh air and practicing slow, deep breathing can help calm your stomach.
Comparison of OTC Nausea Remedies
| Remedy | Active Ingredient | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepto-Bismol | Bismuth Subsalicylate | Nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea from stomach flu. | Do not use for children under 12. May cause black tongue or stool. Avoid with aspirin allergy. |
| Emetrol | Phosphorylated Carbohydrate | Calming upset stomach. Safe for children over 2. | Avoid drinking other liquids immediately before or after dosing. |
| Dramamine | Dimenhydrinate | Motion sickness and mild general nausea. | Can cause significant drowsiness. |
| Dramamine Less Drowsy | Meclizine | Motion sickness, with less drowsiness than standard Dramamine. | May not be the most effective for non-motion-related nausea. |
| Ginger | Gingerols, Shogaols | Mild nausea from various causes, including mild stomach upset. | Can cause heartburn in high doses. Generally safe for most. |
| Pedialyte (Oral Rehydration Solution) | Glucose, Electrolytes | Preventing or treating dehydration resulting from nausea and vomiting. | Not an anti-nausea medication itself, but vital for recovery. |
When to See a Doctor
While most flu-related nausea can be managed at home, there are certain symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention.
- Severe or persistent vomiting: If you are vomiting for more than 24-48 hours and cannot keep any fluids down, see a doctor to prevent dehydration.
- Signs of dehydration: These include severe thirst, dry mouth, little to no urination, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Bloody vomit or stool: Any blood in your vomit (which may look like coffee grounds) or stool should be evaluated by a healthcare provider immediately.
- High fever and stiff neck: A fever over 101°F in adults or 104°F in children, especially with a stiff neck, can indicate a more serious condition.
- Worsening symptoms: If flu symptoms initially improve and then return with a higher fever and worse cough, it may indicate a complication requiring medical intervention.
Conclusion
For most people, relief from flu nausea comes from a combination of supportive care and judicious use of home remedies or over-the-counter medications. The primary goals are to stay well-hydrated and rest, allowing your body to recover. Natural options like ginger and peppermint can provide relief, while certain OTC medications target the source of the nausea. If vomiting is severe or accompanied by signs of dehydration, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. Always read medication labels carefully and follow dosage instructions, especially concerning children and specific health conditions.
For more information on preventing and managing flu symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides extensive guidance. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
