What are the symptoms of stomach flu? What causes stomach flu? How is stomach flu treated? Get answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive guide.

Symptoms of Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)

Stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is a highly contagious intestinal infection that can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms. These may include:

• Watery, non-bloody diarrhea
• Stomach cramps and pain
• Nausea, vomiting, or both
• Occasional muscle aches or headache
• Low-grade fever

It’s important to note that anyone experiencing symptoms of stomach flu should avoid going to school or work, as the condition is usually contagious.

Causes of Stomach Flu

Stomach flu can be caused by a variety of viruses, including:

1. Norovirus: The most contagious form of stomach flu, with symptoms usually appearing 12-48 hours after exposure and lasting 1-3 days.
2. Rotavirus: Symptoms typically begin 48 hours after exposure and last 3-8 days. This virus is more common in children and infants.
3. Adenovirus: Symptoms usually appear 3-10 days after exposure and last 1-2 weeks. This virus can cause a wide range of symptoms.
4. Astrovirus: Symptoms usually begin 4-5 days after exposure and last 1-4 days. This virus is more likely to affect those with weaker immune systems.

Stomach flu can be contracted through contact with someone who has the infection or by consuming contaminated food or water.

Treating Stomach Flu

While there are no specific drugs that can cure stomach flu, there are ways to manage the symptoms and prevent dehydration:

• Encourage the person to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, oral rehydration solutions, milk (including breast milk), and juice.
• Avoid giving electrolyte solutions to infants, as they can contain high levels of artificial ingredients that are not optimal for hydration.
• Once the person can tolerate it, reintroduce their regular diet.
• Medications like anti-nausea or anti-diarrheal drugs can be used to manage specific symptoms, but they do not cure the underlying viral infection.

It’s important to seek medical attention if an infant has symptoms for more than 1-2 days and appears dehydrated, as this can have severe consequences for their health.

Preventing the Spread of Stomach Flu

To prevent the spread of stomach flu, it’s crucial to practice good hygiene and sanitation measures:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food.
2. Disinfect surfaces and items that may have been contaminated, such as toilets, sinks, and shared surfaces.
3. Stay home from work, school, or other public places if you have symptoms of stomach flu to avoid infecting others.
4. Avoid preparing food for others if you have symptoms of stomach flu.

By taking these precautions, you can help limit the spread of this highly contagious illness.

Recognizing Dehydration Symptoms

Dehydration is a common and potentially severe complication of stomach flu, especially in infants and young children. Signs of mild to severe dehydration include:

• Decrease in urination
• Darker urine
• Fewer tears when crying
• Dry lips and mouth
• Excessive sleepiness
• Sunken soft spots on the heads of infants

If possible, encourage the person to take small sips of fluids to stay hydrated. Seeking medical attention is crucial if an infant or young child shows signs of dehydration.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While stomach flu usually resolves on its own within a few days, there are certain situations when it’s important to seek medical attention:

• If an infant or young child has symptoms for more than 1-2 days and appears dehydrated
• If the person is unable to keep any fluids down and is at risk of severe dehydration
• If the person has a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition that increases the risk of complications
• If the symptoms are severe or do not improve within a few days

In these cases, a healthcare provider can help manage the symptoms, ensure proper hydration, and rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing the stomach flu.

Understanding the Differences Between Stomach Flu and Influenza

It’s important to note that while people often refer to viral gastroenteritis as “stomach flu,” it is not the same as influenza (the flu). Influenza is a respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs, while stomach flu is an intestinal infection that primarily affects the stomach and intestines.

The symptoms of stomach flu and influenza can be similar in some ways, such as nausea, vomiting, and fever, but the underlying causes and primary symptoms are quite different.