Do we need antibiotics for a stomach infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

My entire family is down with this stomach bug from hell. Started with my 6 year old bringing it home from school. Now, all 4 of us have not left the bathroom in 2 days. I am so dehydrated I can barely type this. My husband threw up 8 times yesterday, and my little one is crying constantly. We can not keep anything down, not even water. The smell alone makes me gag again. Thermometers showing 101 for me, higher for the kids. My mother wants to come help, but she is 70 years old, and I am worried she will catch it too

Is this the norovirus thing?
Do we need antibiotics?
When should we go to the emergency room?.
How do we clean the house to stop it from spreading more?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Having multiple episodes of diarrhea and vomiting along with a moderate fever is certainly concerning. In many cases, when several family members become sick around the same time, a viral gastrointestinal infection is the most likely cause. The most likely cause of your symptoms is viral gastroenteritis. Other possible diagnoses include bacterial gastroenteritis, giardiasis, amoebic infection, and enteric fever.

Most viral gastroenteritis infections improve on their own within 4 to 5 days. However, if symptoms persist beyond that period, if you develop bloody diarrhea, or if your fever rises, further medical attention is needed for your family.

My advice is the following for your family,

Focus on maintaining adequate hydration. Drink at least 2 liters of fluid daily and use oral rehydration solution (ORS). Mix one packet in 1 liter of water and aim to consume 2 to 3 liters of ORS solution throughout the day, depending on fluid losses.
Follow a soft, easy-to-digest diet that includes foods such as bananas, rice, yogurt, and toast. Avoid fried foods, spicy foods, and food prepared outside the home.
For diarrhea, Loperamide will be good for you and your husband. You can avoid it if there is a high fever or bloody diarrhea.
Avoid dairy products if they appear to worsen your symptoms, as temporary lactose intolerance can occur after gastrointestinal infections.
Over-the-counter probiotics may also be helpful. Products containing Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, or Lactobacillus reuteri DSM are commonly used and may help shorten the duration of symptoms.
Monitor closely for warning signs such as high-grade fever, blood in the stool, decreased urine output, severe weakness, excessive drowsiness, confusion, or signs of dehydration.

If any of these symptoms develop or if the illness does not improve within one week, seek prompt medical attention or visit the emergency department.

If symptoms are prolonged or severe, investigations that may be considered include

Complete blood count (CBC) to assess for infection.
Stool routine examination to evaluate for infections such as Giardiasis.

To help prevent future infections,

Drink clean, boiled, or purified water.
Practice frequent handwashing, especially before meals and after using the toilet.
Avoid potentially contaminated food.

You should seek urgent medical care if any warning signs develop.

I hope this information helps.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.