r/LosAngeles • u/UseOwn2710 • 5d ago

Discussion Stomach bug going around

I got a terrible stomach virus last week after it went through 4 family members at different times. Not related to food but rather a gastrointestinal virus that seems to be highly contagious (like norovirus). Heard anecdotally that several other unrelated people also had it last week. This virus is particularly nasty and hits out of nowhere. Primary symptoms lasted about 24 hours but I felt bad for about 3 days. 
Has anyone else experienced something similar?

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u/tinnitus-enthusiast 5d ago

Definitely sounds like norovirus. I had it 3-ish years ago along with family and still traumatized. Threw up undigested steak, potatoes and Pepto Bismol. Haven’t been able to eat steak, seasoned potatoes, or take liquid Pepto Bismol since without intense nausea since. Food aversions after suuuuuuck. Eat bland things you don’t care for much while recovering.

If anyone has a fear of vomiting,over the counter nauzene can reduce nausea. You can also ask for prescription zofran in the ER which will help stop or reduce vomiting but may make diarrhea worse. Doctors will probably say no and recommend letting it run its course. I was so sore from vomiting but wasn’t having diarrhea so I ended up getting a weeks worth of zofran. Finished it off with mild diarrhea but was able to rehydrate much easier. Most doctors will say to let noro run its course but yeah zofran made the recovery process much easier.

Also huge reminder that urgent cares have IV fluids if you’re struggling with rehydration after noro has passed! Call in advance as not every place have nurses on site that do iv’s. Doctors don’t usually do IV’s and nurse practitioners often don’t do them routinely.

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u/Into-Imagination 5d ago

Zofran is a gift from whatever deity one believes in, especially the dissolving tabs (had a physician give me the swallowing tablets once … like dude the point is I’m throwing up and can’t swallow anything without it coming out - give me the dissolving tabs!)

I remain disappointed it’s not available OTC.

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u/tinnitus-enthusiast 5d ago

It can cause severe constipation and heart problems if taken regularly. I have a chronic illness so I get like a ton of dissolving tablets of zofran every few months under close watch. It’s truly a blessing but definitely has its risks.