What is a Stomach Bug and How is it Treated in Choctaw, OK?

Stomach bugs—commonly referred to as viral gastroenteritis—are a frequent reason patients visit Immediate Care of Oklahoma, especially during peak cold and flu seasons. These illnesses are most often caused by viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus, which infect the lining of your stomach and intestines. Symptoms typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. While viruses are the most common cause, certain bacteria (like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter) and even parasites can cause similar symptoms.

Stomach bugs are highly contagious and typically spread through the fecal-oral route. This means germs from an infected person’s stool or vomit can contaminate surfaces, food, or water. Touching contaminated objects—like doorknobs, countertops, or shared utensils—and then touching your mouth can lead to infection. The viruses can survive on surfaces for hours or even days, making it easy to catch a stomach bug from everyday environments. Close contact with someone who is infected, as well as sharing food or drinks, also increases your risk.

Most stomach bugs resolve on their own with rest and hydration. However, you should visit Immediate Care of Oklahoma if you experience:

● Signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, extreme thirst, dizziness, or decreased urination)
● Persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 2-3 days
● Bloody stools or vomit
● High fever or severe abdominal pain

Our experienced providers are here to help you feel better and provide guidance on managing symptoms and preventing further spread.

If you or a loved one is experiencing sudden onset diarrhea—often watery and occurring multiple times a day—along with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, you may be dealing with this common illness. Other symptoms we often treat include low-grade fever, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Mild chills and muscle aches can also occur as your body fights off the infection.

These symptoms typically last for a few days, but dehydration is a serious risk, especially for young children and older adults. Our experienced medical team can help you manage your symptoms, ensure you stay properly hydrated, and rule out more serious causes of gastrointestinal distress.

Yes, these stomach bugs are highly contagious. They are most frequently caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus, which spread quickly from person to person.

You can contract a stomach bug by:

● Having direct contact with someone who is infected
● Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus
● Consuming contaminated food or water

Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever can appear quickly. You are usually most contagious once symptoms start, but it’s important to know that you can spread the virus even before you feel sick and for a few days after symptoms improve. In some cases, especially with norovirus, people can continue to shed the virus for up to two weeks after recovery, although the chance of spreading the illness decreases significantly once symptoms have stopped.


Our medical team recommends the following to help prevent the spread of stomach bugs:

● Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after using the restroom and before eating.
● Disinfect contaminated surfaces, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
● Avoid close contact with others if you are experiencing symptoms.
● Stay home from work, school, or daycare until at least two days after symptoms resolve.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, Dr. Kevin Penwell, D.O., and his skilled medical team offer compassionate care for patients suffering from stomach bugs (viral gastroenteritis). Dr. Penwell focuses on providing supportive treatments to ensure your comfort and promote a speedy recovery.

The primary goal in treating a stomach bug is to prevent dehydration, which can result from vomiting and diarrhea. Dr. Penwell recommends staying well-hydrated by sipping on clear fluids like water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths. To help your stomach tolerate fluids, he encourages taking small, frequent sips. This approach prevents further upset and supports your body’s healing process.

When you visit Immediate Care of Oklahoma with stomach bug symptoms, Dr. Penwell may suggest temporarily avoiding solid foods until vomiting subsides. As soon as you’re able to keep fluids down, he will guide you in gradually reintroducing bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, commonly referred to as the BRAT diet.

For symptom relief, Dr. Penwell may recommend over-the-counter remedies like bismuth subsalicylate, depending on your age and medical history. In certain cases, prescription anti-nausea medications may be necessary. However, Dr. Penwell typically advises against using anti-diarrheal medications, particularly in children or if there is a high fever or blood in the stool, as they can sometimes worsen the condition or mask more serious issues.

Rest is essential to your recovery, and Dr. Penwell will provide guidance on signs that indicate you should seek further evaluation. These include:

● Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, and decreased urination)
● Persistent high fever
● Severe abdominal pain
● Blood in vomit or stool

Most stomach bugs resolve within a few days without the need for antibiotics, as they are usually caused by viruses. Dr. Penwell and the team at Immediate Care of Oklahoma are dedicated to monitoring your recovery, offering reassurance, and stepping in with further care if your symptoms persist or worsen. If you or a family member is dealing with a stomach bug, walk in or schedule a visit at any Immediate Care of Oklahoma location. Dr. Kevin Penwell and his team are here to provide prompt, compassionate care to help you feel better, faster. For more details, contact us or you can also book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1664 S Choctaw Road, Choctaw, OK 73020. We serve patients from Choctaw OK, West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Norman (24th) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK, Bethany OK and surrounding areas.