Stomach Flu in the Elderly: Essential Guide for Caregivers on Preventing Norovirus
How does norovirus affect seniors differently. What are the most effective prevention methods for caregivers. How can caregivers recognize and respond to norovirus symptoms in the elderly. What are the potential complications of norovirus in older adults. How can seniors stay safe during norovirus outbreaks in communal settings.
Understanding Norovirus: The “Stomach Flu” Threat to Seniors
Norovirus, often misnamed as “stomach flu” or “food poisoning,” is a highly contagious gastrointestinal infection that poses a significant risk to older adults. Despite its common association with cruise ship outbreaks, norovirus can strike in various settings, making it crucial for caregivers to be well-informed about this pervasive threat.
Why is norovirus particularly dangerous for seniors? The weakened immune systems of older adults make them more susceptible to severe symptoms and complications. While younger individuals may recover quickly, seniors face a higher risk of dehydration, hospitalization, and even death from norovirus infections.
Key Facts About Norovirus
- Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States
- It affects over 23 million people annually in the U.S.
- The virus causes up to 71,000 hospitalizations and 800 deaths each year
- Outbreaks commonly occur in crowded spaces like nursing homes, hospitals, and cruise ships
Recognizing Norovirus Symptoms in the Elderly
Early detection of norovirus symptoms in seniors is crucial for prompt intervention and prevention of complications. What are the typical signs of norovirus infection in older adults?
- Sudden onset of vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramping and pain
- Headaches
- Fever
- Fatigue or weakness
Is it possible for someone to have norovirus without showing symptoms? Yes, up to 30% of infected individuals may be asymptomatic, which can complicate outbreak detection and containment efforts. However, these individuals can still spread the virus, underscoring the importance of consistent preventive measures.
Transmission Routes: How Norovirus Spreads Among Seniors
Understanding how norovirus spreads is essential for effective prevention. What are the primary transmission routes for norovirus?
- Direct contact with an infected person
- Consuming contaminated food or water
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth without washing hands
How long can an infected person spread norovirus? Individuals can be contagious before symptoms appear and for up to three days after symptoms subside. This extended period of contagiousness highlights the need for continued vigilance in hygiene practices, even after apparent recovery.
Preventive Measures: Shielding Seniors from Norovirus
Protecting older adults from norovirus requires a multi-faceted approach. What are the most effective prevention strategies recommended by health experts?
- Frequent and thorough handwashing, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food
- Proper food handling and preparation, including thorough cooking of shellfish
- Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces with bleach-based cleaners
- Isolation of infected individuals during illness and for two days after symptoms resolve
- Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers as a supplement to handwashing
How can caregivers ensure seniors maintain good hygiene practices? Encourage and assist with frequent handwashing, provide easily accessible hand sanitizers, and educate seniors about the importance of personal hygiene in preventing norovirus spread.
Managing Norovirus in Seniors: Treatment and Care Strategies
When a senior contracts norovirus, proper management is crucial to prevent complications. What are the key aspects of norovirus care for older adults?
- Ensure adequate rest to support the body’s recovery process
- Prioritize hydration to replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea
- Monitor for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, and dizziness
- Consider oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks to replenish electrolytes
- Maintain strict hygiene practices to prevent spread to caregivers and other seniors
When should a caregiver seek medical attention for a senior with norovirus? If signs of severe dehydration appear, or if symptoms persist beyond three days, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider. Hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous fluid administration in severe cases.
Norovirus in Communal Settings: Special Considerations for Senior Care
Communal living environments, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, present unique challenges in norovirus prevention and containment. How can caregivers and facility staff mitigate the risk of outbreaks in these settings?
- Implement rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols for common areas
- Educate residents and staff about proper hand hygiene and illness reporting
- Establish clear procedures for isolating infected individuals
- Limit group activities and communal dining during outbreaks
- Ensure proper food handling and preparation practices in facility kitchens
What role do visitors play in norovirus prevention in senior care facilities? Visitors should be educated about hand hygiene, symptom awareness, and the importance of postponing visits if they are ill. Facilities may need to implement temporary visitation restrictions during outbreaks to protect residents.
Long-term Health Implications: Norovirus Impact on Senior Well-being
While norovirus is often considered a short-term illness, its effects on seniors can extend beyond the initial infection period. What are the potential long-term consequences of norovirus infection in older adults?
- Increased risk of malnutrition due to prolonged appetite loss
- Weakened immune system, making seniors more susceptible to other infections
- Exacerbation of existing chronic health conditions
- Reduced mobility and independence following severe illness or hospitalization
- Increased likelihood of falls due to weakness and dehydration
How can caregivers support senior recovery after a norovirus infection? Focus on gradual reintroduction of nutritious foods, encourage gentle physical activity as tolerated, and monitor for any lingering symptoms or new health concerns. Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers may be necessary to address any persistent issues.
Emerging Research: Advancements in Norovirus Prevention and Treatment
The scientific community continues to explore new strategies to combat norovirus. What are some promising developments in norovirus research that could benefit seniors?
- Vaccine development: Several norovirus vaccine candidates are in clinical trials
- Improved diagnostic tools: Rapid testing methods for quicker outbreak identification
- Novel antiviral treatments: Research into medications that could shorten illness duration
- Enhanced disinfection technologies: Development of more effective surface cleaning methods
- Microbiome studies: Investigating the role of gut bacteria in norovirus susceptibility and recovery
How might these advancements impact norovirus management in senior care settings? As new prevention and treatment options become available, caregivers and healthcare providers will have more tools to protect seniors from norovirus and mitigate its impact when infections occur.
The Role of Nutrition in Norovirus Prevention and Recovery
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in both preventing norovirus infections and supporting recovery in seniors. How can caregivers leverage diet to enhance seniors’ resilience against norovirus?
- Emphasize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support immune function
- Ensure adequate hydration through water, herbal teas, and low-sugar beverages
- Consider probiotic-rich foods to promote gut health and potentially enhance resistance to norovirus
- During recovery, introduce easily digestible foods gradually to prevent gastrointestinal distress
What specific nutrients may be beneficial in boosting seniors’ defenses against norovirus? Vitamins C and D, zinc, and selenium have been associated with improved immune function. Consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian to determine appropriate supplementation if necessary.
Technology and Norovirus Prevention: Innovative Tools for Caregivers
As technology continues to advance, new tools are emerging to aid caregivers in norovirus prevention and management. What technological innovations are showing promise in the fight against norovirus in senior care settings?
- Smart hand hygiene monitoring systems that track handwashing compliance
- UV-C light disinfection devices for thorough surface sterilization
- AI-powered symptom tracking apps to detect potential outbreaks early
- Wearable devices that monitor hydration levels and alert caregivers to dehydration risk
- Telemedicine platforms for remote consultation during norovirus outbreaks
How can caregivers integrate these technologies into their daily routines? Start by assessing which tools are most relevant to your care setting and gradually incorporate them, ensuring proper training for both staff and seniors to maximize their effectiveness.
The Psychological Impact of Norovirus on Seniors and Caregivers
The threat and experience of norovirus can have significant psychological effects on both seniors and their caregivers. How does the fear of norovirus infection impact seniors’ mental health and social engagement?
- Increased anxiety about social interactions and group activities
- Feelings of isolation during outbreaks or preventive quarantine measures
- Stress related to the potential for hospitalization or severe illness
- Depression stemming from prolonged illness or recovery periods
What strategies can caregivers employ to address these psychological challenges? Maintain open communication about concerns, provide reassurance through education on prevention measures, and facilitate safe social interactions when possible. Consider incorporating mental health check-ins as part of routine care, especially during and after norovirus outbreaks.
Caregiver Self-Care: Protecting Your Health While Caring for Others
Caregivers play a vital role in protecting seniors from norovirus, but they must also prioritize their own health. How can caregivers maintain their well-being while managing the challenges of norovirus prevention and care?
- Practice rigorous personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing and use of protective equipment when necessary
- Stay up-to-date on vaccinations, including influenza and other relevant immunizations
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to support your immune system
- Ensure adequate rest and implement stress-reduction techniques
- Seek support from fellow caregivers or professional counseling services when needed
Why is caregiver self-care crucial in norovirus prevention? Healthy caregivers are better equipped to provide consistent, high-quality care and are less likely to become vectors for norovirus transmission to vulnerable seniors.
Community Engagement: Collaborative Approaches to Norovirus Prevention
Effective norovirus prevention extends beyond individual care settings to involve the broader community. How can caregivers and senior care facilities engage with local communities to enhance norovirus prevention efforts?
- Participate in public health awareness campaigns about norovirus prevention
- Collaborate with local health departments for outbreak reporting and management
- Partner with nearby senior care facilities to share best practices and resources
- Engage family members and volunteers in education and prevention initiatives
- Work with local businesses to promote hygiene practices that protect vulnerable populations
What benefits can community-wide collaboration bring to norovirus prevention in senior care? A unified approach can lead to more effective containment of outbreaks, improved resource allocation, and increased public awareness of the importance of protecting seniors from norovirus.
Future Directions: Preparing for Evolving Norovirus Challenges
As the population ages and norovirus strains continue to evolve, caregivers must stay informed about emerging challenges and solutions. What future developments should caregivers anticipate in norovirus prevention and management?
- Potential emergence of new norovirus strains requiring updated prevention strategies
- Integration of artificial intelligence in predicting and managing outbreaks
- Development of personalized risk assessment tools based on genetic and health factors
- Increased focus on environmental interventions to reduce norovirus transmission
- Expansion of telemedicine and remote monitoring capabilities in senior care
How can caregivers prepare for these future challenges? Stay engaged with ongoing education and training opportunities, remain flexible in adapting to new guidelines and technologies, and cultivate a proactive mindset in addressing evolving norovirus threats.
By understanding the unique risks norovirus poses to seniors, implementing comprehensive prevention strategies, and staying informed about emerging research and technologies, caregivers can play a crucial role in protecting older adults from this pervasive and potentially dangerous illness. As we continue to face the challenges of norovirus in senior care settings, the combined efforts of caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the broader community will be essential in safeguarding the health and well-being of our elderly population.
What Caregivers Need to Know about Preventing Norovirus in Seniors
When winter comes, the gastrointestinal infection called “norovirus” threatens the health of our senior loved ones.
Most media mentions of norovirus in seniors involve rapidly spreading outbreaks on cruise ships. But these accounts obscure the fact that norovirus is a danger for seniors in other settings too.
What do caregivers need to know to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from this nasty bug?
What Is Norovirus?
Norovirus is sometimes called “food poisoning,” “stomach flu,” or “stomach bug.” It is the leading cause of foodborne illness and can be caused by other germs and chemicals. Even though it is sometimes called a flu, it is not caused by the influenza virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two recent norovirus outbreaks have been linked to oysters, both raw and frozen.
Common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramping, and stomach pain. Some people experience headaches, fever, fatigue, or weakness. The symptoms can come on suddenly and last for one to three days. But norovirus can spread before people become symptomatic and for up to three days afterward.
Up to 30% of people infected with norovirus do not develop any symptoms at all, which can make it difficult to detect and contain an outbreak. But for the rest, norovirus is extremely unpleasant and can involve several days of alternating between the bed and the bathroom.
For seniors, however, norovirus can cause dehydration and become much more serious—or even deadly.
How Common Is Norovirus?
Each year, norovirus affects more than 23 million people, and it causes as many as 71,000 hospitalizations and 800 deaths in the United States. Outbreaks tend to occur in crowded spaces like hospitals, cruise ships, and nursing homes.
How Do You Get Norovirus?
Norovirus is very contagious. You get it from:
- Direct contact with an infected person
- Eating contaminated food
- Drinking contaminated water
- Touching contaminated surfaces and putting unwashed hands in your mouth
Norovirus Prevention
The CDC recommends the following precautions to protect yourself and others from norovirus.
- Wash hands often, especially after using the bathroom or eating.
- Rinse fruits and vegetables.
- Cook all foods, and especially shellfish, thoroughly.
- Stay home when you are sick and for two days after symptoms end.
- Avoid preparing food for others when you are sick and for two days after the symptoms stop.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces with a bleach-based cleaner during an outbreak.
- Maintain good hygiene and use alcohol-based sanitizer.
Treating Norovirus
Even if you take all the precautions, norovirus outbreaks can and do happen. Because it is a virus, norovirus can’t be treated with antibiotics. But some norovirus survival techniques can help seniors stay comfortable while avoiding norovirus-related complications.
If your loved one contracts norovirus, you can help them by:
- Making sure they get plenty of rest.
- Helping them stay hydrated due to the loss of fluids. Some doctors recommend sports drinks or other over-the-counter remedies for replenishing critical nutrients and minerals.
- Watching for signs of dehydration: dry mouth and throat, decreased urination, and dizziness. If you notice any of these signs, call your doctor—hospitalization and intravenous fluids may be needed.
- Encouraging them to wash their hands often.
Surviving Norovirus
In this mmlearn video, “Surviving Norovirus: Not Just a Cruise Ship Issue,” Maria Wellisch, RN, LFNA, emphasizes the importance of learning how to recognize and treat potential outbreaks of this dangerous illness.
“If you think it just happens on cruise ships, we are going to learn about how prevalent norovirus is,” says Wellisch. “When I see 800 deaths from this virus, I think this is a very important thing for us to talk about. This isn’t just cruise ships; it’s schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, restaurants. It’s something that all of us need to know about.”
Wherever people live together in communal settings, where they are all touching items and spending time in common areas, there is a risk for the spread of norovirus.
Whether your loved one is aging in place or living in a residential facility, caregivers can help by learning how to keep seniors safe from this unpleasant—and often dangerous—illness.
Dealing With a Stomach Bug For Older Adults
Posted on Feb 8, 2019 in Senior Health
Taking care of the body and identifying health problems early becomes more important as we age, as these problems can lead to more serious health problems due to weakened immune system among older individuals. There are a number of health risks to be aware of including norovirus, the flu, food poisoning and more. If help is not sought out, these stomach problems can lead to serious health complications, and even death, for some.
The flu alone leads to thousands of deaths a year. If you or a loved one is experiencing some type of stomach pain, it is a good idea to seek out medical attention to ensure your safety. However, to avoid the situation entirely, there are some steps you can take to try and reduce your risk of having to pay a hospital visit. Simple things like washing your hands and making sure your living area is clean are small things that can play a big role in your health.
Types of Stomach Bugs
The term “stomach bug”, is often referring to a contagious virus known as norovirus. However, to some it is considered an umbrella to refer to a number of different types of viruses and illnesses that can affect anyone and, if not treated properly, can lead to serious health consequences.
Norovirus
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation to the stomach and intestines. Norovirus can lead to problems such as stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. While norovirus shares similar symptoms as the flu, it is not related. Every year, norovirus causes between 56,000 to 71,000 hospitalizations and 570 to 800 deaths, mostly in young children and the elderly.
Norovirus spreads easily through direct contact, eating foods or drinks that are contaminated with norovirus, and many other ways. Unfortunately antibiotics will not help as they have no effect on viruses. If you have norovirus illness, be sure to drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid loss and prevent dehydration.
Flu
It is known that people 65 years and older are at a greater risk of complications from the flu compared to younger, healthy seniors because of the weakened immune system in older seniors. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s estimated that about 70 to 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older and 50 to 70 percent of hospitalizations occurred among people in that age group.
Symptoms associated with the flu include fever, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea are sometimes a symptom as well. Some emergency signs of flu sickness include difficulty breathing, sudden dizziness, confusion, pain or pressure in the chest. If any of these symptoms start, medical attention should be found as soon as possible.
Food Poisoning
Food safety is extremely important for seniors 65 and older, as they are at a higher risk for hospitalization and even death from food borne illnesses. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the bodys of older individuals hold on to foods for longer time in the stomach and intestinal tract and the liver and kidneys may not readily rid the bodies of toxins. By the age of 65, many people will have been diagnosed with a chronic disease that requires medication which may weaken the immune system, increasing risk of contracting a food borne illness.
There are a number of types of food poisoning, one prominent example is salmonella. Salmonella is generally contracted as a result of raw or under cooked eggs, poultry, and meat. The problem can cause stomach pain, nausea, and chills. The problem is especially severe for people with weakened immune systems and can cause serious complications including death.
Parasite
According to the CDC, there are millions of cases of parasitic infections each year. While the problems generally affect low-income, marginalized communities, they can still pop up anywhere. There are five common neglected parasitic infections including, Chagas disease, cysticercosis, toxocariasis, toxoplasmosis, and trichomoniasis.
There are a number of different symptoms that you can deal with depending on the type of parasitic infection that someone is dealing with. However some common problems include cramping, abdominal illness, and diarrhea.
Prevention
There are a number of ways to help prevent and reduce your risk of dealing with some of these problems. For instance, practicing proper hygiene is one of the best ways to deal avoid things like norovirus and the flu. Washing your hands regularly with soap and water and using alcohol-based hand sanitizer can both be helpful in preventing these problems. Similarly, preparing foods properly by washing fruits and vegetables and cooking seafood thoroughly are important for protecting yourself from things like noroviruses and parasitic problems.
Keeping living areas clean by disinfectants is an effective way to stay healthy from some of these stomach bugs. If you throw up, it is important to immediately disinfect the contaminated area to stop the spread of the illnesses. One form of prevention that often gets overlooked is laundry. Washing laundry thoroughly and often will help reduce the spread of some illnesses.
In Conclusion
Stomach bugs, like norovirus, the flu, and parasitic infections, can all lead to stomach problems like nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and more. The problem can get even more complicated for older seniors who have weakened immune systems. However, there are a number preventative methods that you can take to reduce your risk of contracting one of these illnesses. Practicing simple hygiene habits and keeping your living area clean are easy ways to help you or a loved one avoid these problems.Enlisting the help of a caregiver or joining an assisted living community can help keep you safe from these types of viruses and illnesses.
At Landmark Senior Living, we have a dedicated care staff that can help you with medical issues you may be dealing with. Our senior living facilities also offer residents fun, social events to keep them happy during this lifestyle change. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to our admissions staff today.
what is the intestinal flu and how to treat it?
SARS or poisoning: what is intestinal flu and how to treat it?
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SARS or poisoning: what is the intestinal flu and how to treat it?
SARS or poisoning: what is intestinal flu and how to treat it?
Headache, malaise, sore throat and tickling in the nose are symptoms that make a person immediately think of a cold. Indeed, in the cold season, when all respiratory viruses are as active as possible, SARS is the first thing that comes to mind. If nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea join these signs, many believe that they simultaneously contracted two infections or ate something wrong against the background of a cold.
However, do not forget about the so-called “intestinal flu” – viral infections that can simultaneously affect the respiratory and digestive systems. Typical causative agents of this condition are enteroviruses, noroviruses, rotaviruses, adenoviruses, astroviruses, reoviruses. They are mainly found in young children, but adults are also not immune from this disease, although they usually endure it in a milder form.
How stomach flu differs from other infections
If the disease begins with respiratory manifestations, it is very important to distinguish it from the classic variants of SARS. The doctor pays attention to the intensity and nature of the development of symptoms, the epidemiological history, the general health of the patient and the presence of predisposing factors.
If flu-like manifestations occur only in the first hours of the illness and do not bother a person much, and gastrointestinal upset comes to the fore, intestinal flu is more likely. The frequency of diarrhea is also taken into account: when infected with viruses of the intestinal group, the frequency of going to the toilet can be 10-20 times a day, while with ARVI with concomitant damage to the gastrointestinal tract, the frequency of bowel movements is much less frequent (about 3-5 times a day).
The study of clinical symptoms is necessarily supplemented by laboratory diagnostics. There are simple and affordable PCR tests and serological tests that help identify a specific pathogen. For all patients with symptoms of intestinal flu, the infectious disease specialist prescribes such a study in order to correctly diagnose.
How contagious is a person with intestinal flu
Rotaviruses, noroviruses and other pathogens of this disease are easily transmitted from an infected person to others through food and water, as well as through household contact and airborne droplets. In order not to put other people at risk, the patient must comply with the home regimen and anti-epidemic measures. Obviously, with acute diarrhea, a person will not be able to attend work or school, but do not forget about caution in the initial stages of the disease, when symptoms are limited to general malaise.
What is the danger of stomach flu
For adults with good immunity, the disease does not pose a serious threat. It is enough to survive a few unpleasant days with repeated diarrhea, after which the condition begins to gradually improve. The total duration of the disease usually does not exceed 7 days.
However, intestinal flu poses a great danger to the elderly and debilitated patients, people living with HIV, pregnant women, people with diabetes and other chronic diseases. In them, the infection can provoke severe inflammation of the intestines and dehydration, as a result of which the blood supply to the internal organs is disrupted and hypovolemic shock develops. With HIV infection and other variants of immunodeficiencies, there is a risk of pathogenic bacteria joining.
How to properly treat intestinal flu
The most important rule that all patients need to remember is that under no circumstances should antibiotics be taken with such symptoms. Antibacterial agents do not act on a viral infection, in addition, they can disrupt the state of the intestinal microflora and aggravate the manifestations of the disease.
Another common mistake is taking antidiarrheal drugs. These drugs are also prohibited in viral intestinal infections, as they increase the risk of intoxication and the development of complications of the disease.
Thus, the standard treatment for intestinal flu will be universal for all types of viruses:
● Drink plenty of fluids and use oral rehydration solutions to replenish lost fluids and avoid dehydration;
● strict dietary restrictions in the first days of the disease with a gradual expansion of the diet, when the bowel begins to recover;
● Taking enterosorbents that help bind and remove toxins and viruses from the intestines, thereby speeding up recovery.
Please note that this information is not a guide to action and does not replace the advice of a doctor.
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articles of the Oxford Medical clinic Kyiv
The information in the article is provided for review and is not a guide to self-diagnosis and treatment. If symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor.
Stomach flu is an acute viral illness that affects the gastrointestinal tract. The disease got its name due to the similarity of the first symptoms with the manifestations of the usual flu or cold. But in fact, the intestinal flu has nothing to do with these diseases.
With intestinal viruses, as a rule, first there is a sore throat and general weakness, fever, which is soon followed by severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The virus infects the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to dysbacteriosis, malabsorption of water and trace elements, a decrease in the synthesis of digestive enzymes, and other pathological changes.
Stomach flu is especially dangerous for young children, as it can quickly cause dehydration and metabolic disorders.
Which viruses cause intestinal flu
There are 3 groups of viruses that can cause intestinal flu:
rotaviruses;
noroviruses;
enteroviruses.
Rotavirus infections are the most common . They simultaneously affect the organs of the respiratory system and the gastrointestinal tract. Most often, patients develop inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and small intestine (enteritis).
Noroviruses and enteroviruses are next in prevalence. Unlike rotaviruses, they affect the organs of the respiratory system to a lesser extent. The symptoms of the diseases they cause are similar, so an accurate diagnosis can only be made with the help of laboratory diagnostics.
Symptoms of intestinal flu
Symptoms of intestinal infection are:
nausea and vomiting;
diarrhea;
occasional abdominal pain;
fever;
general weakness;
lack of appetite;
headache;
sore throat;
white coating on the tongue;
runny nose;
lacrimation and others.
Symptoms usually appear 2-3 days after contact with infections, but the incubation period of is from 1 to 5 days.
In a rotavirus infection, the temperature first rises and cold symptoms appear. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur later.
When infected with enterovirus or norovirus, the nasopharynx and organs of the respiratory system suffer less, so the main symptoms are from the gastrointestinal tract.
Features of intestinal influenza in children, pregnant women and the elderly
Intestinal infections are most susceptible to children younger. Their disease is more severe than in adults. Vomiting and diarrhea can be repeated up to 10-15 times a day, which threatens the rapid development of dehydration. Its symptoms are lethargy, vomiting after each attempt to drink water, lack of urination for more than 3 hours and sweat, pale skin and cyanosis around the lips, dry mouth, tachycardia. For newborns and infants, this condition is extremely dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
Adults intestinal flu, usually is easier to tolerate . Vomiting and fever may be completely absent, and diarrhea may not occur more than a few times a day.
During pregnancy, intestinal infections are also most often mild. A woman may have a slight increase in temperature, nausea, occasional vomiting and loose stools. Usually, the disease passes quickly and does not adversely affect the fetus or the course of pregnancy. The risk appears only with a severe form of the disease, dehydration and other complications.
In old age , as well as in the presence of diabetes mellitus and other chronic diseases, patients can also more severely endure intestinal flu . The main danger is dehydration, impaired absorption of water and electrolytes, as well as metabolic disorders. These processes can provoke a critical decrease in blood pressure and other complications.
Stomach flu complications
In most cases, stomach flu does not cause complications. The main thing is to consult a doctor in time and start appropriate treatment.
The most common complication is dehydration . With vomiting and diarrhea, the body loses a lot of fluid, so sick people are advised to drink more fluids. This is especially important for young children. In newborns and infants, dehydration can develop very quickly. In some cases, hospitalization and drips may be required to restore fluid and electrolyte balance.
Dehydration is also dangerous for the elderly and those with chronic diseases. Against its background, a significant decrease in blood pressure can occur, and it also becomes difficult to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
In the absence of timely treatment, a bacterial intestinal infection can join the viral infection, which aggravates the course of the disease.
Influenza does not cause late complications. With proper treatment, after recovery, the patient does not have any consequences of the disease.
How intestinal flu is transmitted
Intestinal infections are transmitted primarily by the fecal-oral route, but some viruses are also spread by droplets and contact.
Influenza can be contracted from a sick person or an asymptomatic carrier. After the onset of symptoms, the patient remains dangerous for others for another week. Then the ability of the virus to transmit weakens.
The virus can also settle on food and household items: dishes, towels, toys, etc. The viability of the virus, depending on the conditions, lasts up to 2-4 weeks. This method most often infects children in kindergartens and schools.
In addition, insufficiently processed dairy products and untreated water can be a source of the disease. You can get infected by swimming in ponds or drinking raw water from the central water supply.
Diagnosis of viral intestinal infections
When symptoms of intestinal flu appear, patients most often turn to a pediatrician, general practitioner or family doctor. The specialist conducts an examination of the sick person and palpation of the abdomen, and also studies the medical history and asks about the symptoms of the disease. Based on this, the doctor can make a presumptive diagnosis, but laboratory diagnostics are needed to confirm it.
For suspected stomach flu, they may prescribe:
In some cases, ultrasound or other examinations may also be required.
It is not possible to determine the correct diagnosis on your own based on symptoms alone. Many intestinal infections present in a similar way, but require a different approach to treatment.
Stomach flu treatment
In most cases, stomach flu can be successfully treated at home if the right therapy is chosen and started on time. Hospitalization is recommended for severe illness, severe dehydration, or other complications.
Treatment of intestinal flu may include:
drug therapy – absorbent, antipyretic, enzymatic and other drugs to eliminate symptoms and restore the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
drinking regime – it is recommended to drink more boiled water to prevent or normalize water and electrolyte balance;
diet – limit the consumption of fruits, vegetables, foods containing sugar and carbohydrates, as well as provoking increased gas formation and fermentation processes in the intestines.
The doctor develops a treatment program individually, taking into account the severity of the disease, all symptoms, the age of the patient and the presence of chronic diseases. With proper treatment, well-being improves the next day and the symptoms of the disease gradually disappear. After that, patients, especially children, pregnant women and the elderly, are advised to remain under medical supervision for another month.
Prevention of intestinal flu
To prevent intestinal flu, it is recommended to carefully follow all the rules of personal hygiene:
wash your hands regularly;
wash fruits and vegetables before eating;
do not drink raw water from public water supply;
when swimming in water, do not allow water to enter the mouth and nose, etc.
You can also reduce the risk of infection by getting vaccinated against rotavirus. There are no vaccinations against enterovirus and norovirus.