“Can doctors do anything for the stomach flu?”

Yes, and no. First of all, it's important to know that "flu" is Influenza. It is a specific virus, just like Covid-19 is a specific virus, and it can be specifically diagnosed. It is primarily a respiratory illness, and there is prescription medication that can shorten the severity and duration of the illness. "Stomach flu" is not influenza, and the term "flu" is misleading. The medical term for stomach illnesses, with vomiting and diarrhea, is "gastroenteritis" and the treatment is primarily supportive, meaning there's no specific prescription medication to cure it. However, your doctor can, first, be certain that it's not something else, that your child is not getting dehydrated, and can give you recommendations and tips for helping your child get over the episode more quickly and easily.

Shelley C. Springer, MD, MBA, MSc, JD, FAAP

Stomach flu is a limited disease of 2-3 days duration. All what you need to do if there was vomiting get a stomach rest for 3-4 hours, and then start giving bland diet or just clear fluids with small amount over frequent times like every 20 minutes for few hours. Then continue gradually increase the amount slowly. If there was diarrhea and vomiting, go to your PCP to check for dehydration. Most cases improve.

Dr. Afaneh