Stomach Flu

When a stomach bug hits, it’s called stomach flu. But the real term is viral gastroenteritis. It’s not the same as the flu that affects your lungs. Instead, it attacks your stomach and intestines, causing a lot of discomfort.

Terms like gastric flu and intestinal flu are also used. But they all mean the same thing—viral gastroenteritis. We’ll give you the facts to help you fight this tummy bug and know how it affects your body.

What is Stomach Flu? Recognizing Gastroenteritis Symptoms

Viral gastroenteritis, often called stomach flu, isn’t caused by the flu virus. It’s caused by other viruses that attack the stomach and intestines. Knowing the stomach flu symptoms early can help manage it better and avoid serious problems.

Common GI infection signs include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. People with gastroenteritis might also have a fever and lose a lot of water. These symptoms can be mild or severe and start quickly. You can find more information on these symptoms and their effects at Mount Sinai’s health library on viral gastroenteritis.

Dehydration is a big worry because it can lead to serious health issues. It’s especially risky for kids and older adults. Signs of dehydration include not peeing much, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing. Spotting these signs early is key to getting the right treatment.

If you or someone you know has these symptoms, watch how bad they get. If vomiting and diarrhea are very bad and you can’t keep fluids down, you might need to see a doctor. This helps avoid serious dehydration and other problems, making recovery easier.

Common Causes and Transmission of Stomach Flu

Learning about stomach flu, especially viral gastroenteritis, can help prevent and manage outbreaks. Norovirus is the main culprit in many cases in the United States.

Norovirus: The Leading Culprit

Norovirus causes millions of stomach flu cases each year. It’s very contagious and can hit anyone. But, the elderly, young kids, and those with weak immune systems are more at risk.

This virus spreads fast in places like cruise ships and nursing homes. It shows how powerful and widespread norovirus is.

Other Viruses That Cause Stomach Flu

While norovirus is the most common, rotavirus, adenovirus, and sapovirus also cause viral gastroenteritis. These viruses lead to similar symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. But, they spread and last differently, affecting how we control outbreaks.

How Stomach Flu Spreads: Key Factors

Viruses that cause stomach flu spread mainly through the fecal-oral route. This can happen by eating contaminated food or water, touching someone who’s infected, or touching surfaces and then your face. Washing your hands often and practicing good hygiene can help stop the spread of these viruses.

For more info on symptoms and how viral gastroenteritis spreads, check out the Cleveland Clinic’s overview on stomach flu. Understanding these stomach flu causes and how they spread can help prevent and manage this condition better.

Treatment and Prevention Strategies for Stomach Flu

Dealing with stomach flu requires quick and right care. Keeping well-hydrated is key. Hydration therapy, like drinking water or electrolyte solutions, helps replace lost fluids. The Mayo Clinic suggests drinking small amounts often, especially if your stomach is upset.

Some over-the-counter medicines can help with symptoms. But, it’s best to talk to a doctor before taking them. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests resting and eating gentle foods like bananas or toast when you start feeling better. It’s also good to avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods to not make symptoms worse.

To prevent gastroenteritis, keeping clean is crucial. Washing your hands often, especially before eating, is important. Vaccines against viruses like Norovirus and Rotavirus can also help. By knowing about vaccines and practicing good hygiene, you can lower your chance of getting and spreading stomach flu. This keeps you and others safe from this unpleasant illness.