Dr. Dennis Perry at Meridian Primary Care in Okemos is treating the stomach flu this week.

It's actually called gastroenteritis, but people refer to it as the stomach flu. Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines.

The main symptoms include: stomach cramping or discomfort, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea.

The most dangerous complication to watch out for is dehydration, so you should drink plenty of fluids. Adults should drink Gatorade; children should drink Pedialyte.

Try a bland BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) after 24 hours of a liquid diet without vomiting.

Use medications like ibuprofen sparingly since they can upset the stomach.

See a doctor if you've been vomiting more than two days, if there is blood in your stool or vomit, or if you have severe symptoms of dehydration. Those symptoms include: excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urine, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness.

Dehydration requires immediate emergency medical attention.