The flu has hit southcentral Kentucky, but it’s not the stuffy nose, sore throat and fever type of the illness.

Some physicians said more patients are coming in with the stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis.

&#8220Last week we saw quite a few cases. It comes in waves,” Dr. Medhat Grace, UrgentCare medical director and staff physician, said. &#8220There have been more cases than we’ve had in the past several weeks. So far we haven’t seen too much of the true epidemic of influenza like we normally do.”

Bowling Green pediatrician Dr. Rick Voakes said his young patients have also been affected by the illness.

&#8220I’ve seen quite a bit of it,” he said. &#8220I see a lot of it in the summertime, too.”

People can be ripe for stomach flu during the holidays, Grace said.

&#8220People get too crowded indoors, eat together and gather in groups,” he said. &#8220They are in close contact.”

Symptoms of stomach flu include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. It usually lasts 24 to 48 hours. Symptoms are the same in adults and children, but young children – especially babies – are more likely to get dehydrated, Voakes said.

&#8220Give them an electrolyte solution so they can keep from getting dehydrated,” he said. &#8220 I tell parents to give small frequent amounts of it. Even if they vomit it up it is still helping them keep from getting dehydrated.”

The elderly are also at high risk for dehydration from stomach flu, Grace said. Fluids are an important tool for adults to use in getting well.

&#8220Keep enough fluids on board. If you can’t keep food down, you need to see a physician to prescribe medicine to help stop vomiting,” he said. &#8220Dehydration can happen quicker and faster in young kids and the elderly because they don’t have as much fluid reserve in their systems. IV fluids can be given as an outpatient if you can’t hold liquids down. If you get sicker and sicker, see a physician.”

Voakes suggests patients get as much fluid by mouth as they can.

&#8220One thing we’ve learned in the last 20 years is that giving fluids by mouth is better than giving IVs. Oral is better because it’s more natural to the body to give fluids like that. Your body automatically regulates what you need,” he said. &#8220An IV can throw electrolytes out of balance. You also risk getting infection because you’re giving solution through the veins.”

If diarrhea is a big problem, Voakes suggests an over-the-counter treatment called probiotic therapy.

&#8220Most people get better in a matter in a couple of days, but some kids keep diarrhea for (several) days, Voakes said &#8220Probiotic therapy replaces the natural bacterial flora – the natural bacteria you always have in your body. If you replace that normal bacteria it helps you get better from a stomach virus quicker.”

The physicians said frequent handwashing is key to preventing the stomach virus.

&#8220Wash your hands, avoid crowded gatherings and give yourself plenty of liquids and rest,” Grace said

Voakes agreed.

&#8220Hand contact is going to be a major way to get germs. Don’t share food or drink,” he said. &#8220Wash your hands a lot and use an alcohol antibacterial solution.”

ParentCenter, a Web site geared towards parents of children ages 2 to 8, gives these tips for treating a child with a stomach virus.

Call your doctor if your child experiences any of the following:

• a fever higher than 102.5 degrees
• vomiting for more than three days
• severe headaches or abdominal discomfort
• blood in the stool or vomit
• a swollen, hard belly

Also call your doctor if the child shows any of the classic signs of dehydration:

• decreased urination
• excessive sleepiness or fussiness
• wrinkled skin, sunken eyes
• extreme thirst
• cool, discolored hands and feet