Whenever I get one, I do everything I can to stay hydrated, and keep my sodium up. I've had a few and the flu since having my J-pouch surgeries, and the only one that landed me in the Dr's office was the flu. Rest and hydration, but remember everyone is different and listen to what your body tells you to do…..

The real problem is if you start throwing up as you can get dehydrated really quickly from this. If you get do get dehydrated you'll need to get to the hospital to get IV fluids for rehydration. In case you don't remember the signs, bad headache, leg aches - like Charlie horses and I get shriveled up finger pads and dry mouth. There are more, I just remember the ones that I get. You might want to look up the signs. So push the fluids and have your favorite hydrating one on hand to drink along with water. Hopefully you had the flu shot and it is good for the strain that is going on around you.
Good Luck!

Flu shots are valuable, but they don't protect against what people erroneously call "stomach flu." As others have posted, hydration is the key if you develop nausea and/or vomiting. As far as prevention once it strikes someone in the home, focus on frequent hand washing for all, and don't share anything that goes in the mouth.

I've had the stomach flu once or twice since surgery 13 years ago. I was able to manage it at home with lomotil, pepto bismol, and vitalyte. I don't think one has to go to the doctor, but do be aware of your condition and seek help if needed.

Sue

I have had the flu on numerous occasions and am a chronic stomach flu catcher...I haven't been hospitalised for it since my pre pouch days...I push fluids, especially chicken soup, tomato soup if I can keep it down, homemade lemonaide, tea with honey and lemon and just about any other fluids that I can take...canned broth is full of sodium, tomato soup has potassium (good for those leg cramps) and I keep taking my liquid vitamins at all costs...
I wouldn't go to just any hospital unless I had some sort of experience with them or a relationship with a doctor there because many do not understand pouches (and in my case, especially Kock pouches).
But we are not all alike, if your pouch is very young or fragile you may need to go no matter what...you will know it if you have to...Those headaches are a tell-tale sign.
I play it strong but honestly I would not put my life in danger if I had any doubts.
So be preventitive, stay vigilant but don't be afraid, just in case, you need to ask for help.
Sharon

my lips drying and cracking are my tell tale sign that I am getting dehydrated. I also used Cambell's condensed chicken noodle soup for the sodium when I'm feeling bad.