Stomach bugs, also known as viral gastroenteritis, are caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites and can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Here are some things you can do to help manage the symptoms of a stomach bug:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea. Clear liquids such as water, broth, and sports drinks can help replace electrolytes.

• Ease back into eating: As youre able, you can return to eating your normal diet. You might find that you can eat bland, easy-to-digest foods at first, such as soda crackers, soup, oats, noodles, bananas, and rice. Stop eating if your nausea returns. Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better, such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods.

• Get plenty of rest: The illness and dehydration may have made you weak and tired, so its important to rest.

• Try anti-diarrhea medications: Some adults may find it helpful to take loperamide (Imodium A-D) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, others) to manage their symptoms. However, avoid these if you have bloody diarrhea or fever, which could be signs of another condition. Do not give antidiarrheal and anti-vomiting medication to children unless advised to by a doctor.

• Avoid close contact with others: Stomach bugs can spread easily from person to person, so its important to avoid close contact with infected people and wash your hands frequently.

If you or your child have severe symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea or signs of dehydration, or if your symptoms last longer than a few days, its important to seek medical attention.