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Are you worried that you might have a stomach bug? If you’re in Connecticut or New York, you can rely on Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care for stomach flu treatment. Our physician-founded practice has been treating patients of all ages since 2008, and our providers have all been trained in emergency, family, or internal medicine. We’ve earned a reputation for delivering quality care with ease and speed, and you can rest easy knowing that we’re in-network with most major health insurance plans and also offer affordable self-pay rates.
The stomach flu (also known as “viral gastroenteritis”) occurs when a viral infection causes the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine to become inflamed. Various types of viruses can lead to the stomach flu, including noroviruses and rotavirus. You could contract one of these viruses if you come into contact with an infected individual, consume a contaminated food or beverage, or touch your mouth after touching a contaminated surface.
It’s important to note that the stomach flu is not the same thing as influenza (“the flu”). The stomach flu is an intestinal infection that affects the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, while influenza is a respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs.
Viral gastroenteritis symptoms can range in severity and often include:
If you’re experiencing the symptoms described above, you’re probably wondering how long stomach viruses last. Stomach flu symptoms usually resolve within one to two days. However, in some cases, they may persist for up to two weeks.
One of the most common complications of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration, so if you think you might have the stomach flu, you should drink plenty of fluids. In addition to water, you can try sports drinks, clear sodas, and clear broths (but be sure to avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, or high amounts of sugar). Sipping on drinks—rather than gulping them—will help your body retain more water and may also prevent bloating and discomfort.
Other common viral gastroenteritis treatments include:
It’s important to note that because the stomach flu is caused by viruses—and not bacteria—it cannot be treated with antibiotics.
If you suspect that you have the stomach flu and the at-home remedies listed above aren’t providing sufficient relief, you’ll need to consult with a professional. Most cases of the stomach flu can be effectively treated by either a primary care physician (PCP) or urgent care provider, but in some instances, emergency care is necessary. You should call 911 or visit a nearby emergency room (ER) for stomach flu treatment if:
You should also bring an infant or young child to the ER if they’re refusing to drink fluids or experiencing severe stomach flu symptoms such as a high fever or persistent vomiting.
Otherwise, you should be able to get the stomach flu treatment you need from your PCP or a local urgent care center. (Indeed, you’ll want to avoid visiting the ER unless it’s a true emergency since ERs often charge high rates and impose long wait times on patients with non-life-threatening conditions.) Keep in mind, however, that PCPs are often booked far in advance, meaning that you might need to wait days or even weeks to receive care. If you’re unable to schedule an appointment with your PCP or you need to be seen outside their regular business hours, it’s a smart idea to choose urgent care for stomach flu treatment.
At Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care, we understand that stomach bugs can hit at any time of day or night. If you begin experiencing stomach flu symptoms outside of normal business hours, we’ve got you. Not only are our urgent care centers open 365 days per year with extended hours, but we also offer a 24/7 integrated telehealth service. We proudly serve patients in Connecticut and New York—click here to find the Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care location that’s closest to you.
Patient: Derby, CT
We are proudly associated with Yale New Haven Health in Connecticut and New York. We, also, work collaboratively with local providers, including your primary care or specialty doctor, across Connecticut and New York.
Our experienced providers are trained in emergency, family, and internal medicine. In fact, you’ll find many are the same experts who have treated patients in local area hospitals.
Fees vary, though are significantly lower than a visit to the emergency room and generally the same or slightly higher than a visit to your primary care doctor.
If you have insurance, the total charges will be determined based on your insurance provider’s policy regarding urgent care and the level of care you receive during your visit with us. If you have further questions, please contact your insurance company.
For information on the estimated cost of a self-pay visit, please call your local Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care center.
If you have a question regarding billing, please visit our Billing & Insurance page to learn more.
To pay your bill online visit our Pay My Bill page.
Yes, we accept most major insurances. Your co-pay is collected and required at the time of service. Please visit our Accepted Insurance page for more information.
