Stomach flu attacks the stomach and intestines. In most cases, symptoms appear within days of infection and can range from mild to severe. People often begin to experience symptoms hours after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms often last for days. In severe cases, they can last up to 10 days. There are no drugs that can cure stomach flu; antibiotics cannot help because the condition is usually caused by a virus. Stomach flu is caused by a number of different viruses.
It generally appears following contact with someone who is already infected or after eating contaminated food or water. The symptoms of stomach flu and food poisoning are very similar; although food poisoning is more common.
One major difference is the duration of illness. Food poisoning tends to clear up within a couple of days, but stomach flu can last 10 days. Unfortunately, there is no exact treatment plan or cure for stomach flu.
The body also loses a lot of fluids through diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating. It is important to keep up fluid levels in the body to help avoid dehydration. People with stomach flu should drink plenty of liquids such as clear soda, clear broths, or caffeine-free sports drinks. Slow sips help to keep fluids down. Not all drinks are equal when it comes to treating stomach flu; it is wise to avoid coffee , black tea, and chocolate — they can unsettle the stomach; additionally, caffeine can disrupt sleep, which is important for recovery.
Alcohol should be avoided because it is a diuretic — in other words, it does not rehydrate. Stomach flu often reduces or destroys the appetite. However, as symptoms improve it is important to start slowly and eat simply. It is important to rehydrate with sports drink, non-caffeinated soft drinks, or diluted fruit juices. Then maybe transition to soups and broths, and then normal age-appropriate small meals. Some people report negative experiences from eating dairy, while others are unaffected.
Fiber loosens the bowels, so it is best to avoid excess fiber. Tomato-based, fatty, and spicy dishes can also worsen diarrhea. Stomach flu can be exhausting. The body needs as much energy as possible to fight off the infection and repair damage; for this reason, it is important to rest, allowing the immune system to work and cells to repair as quickly as possible.
Ginger helps to reduce inflammation and promote digestion by relieving nausea and vomiting. It can also help to give some relief from stomach cramps and bloating. Ginger can be used as a spice in meals. People with stomach flu can also consume ginger by taking ginger capsules, drinking ginger ale, or chewing a piece of ginger. If you wish to purchase powdered ginger, it is available to buy on amazon.
Mint , such as peppermint, can also help to soothe an upset stomach and treat gas and bloating. Some shellfish, especially raw or undercooked oysters, also can make you sick.
Although contaminated drinking water is a cause of viral diarrhea, in many cases the virus is passed through the fecal-oral route — that is, someone with a virus handles food you eat without washing his or her hands after using the toilet. Each gastrointestinal virus has a season when it's most active. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, for instance, you're more likely to have rotavirus or norovirus infections between October and April.
The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration — a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals. If you're healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn't be a problem. Infants, older adults and people with suppressed immune systems may become severely dehydrated when they lose more fluids than they can replace.
Hospitalization might be needed so that lost fluids can be replaced intravenously. Dehydration can be fatal, but rarely. When you're traveling in other countries, you can become sick from contaminated food or water. You may be able to reduce your risk by following these tips:.
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Overview Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. This is to rule out other health problems.
A flu shot will not prevent a stomach virus. The flu shot only prevent the influenza virus. The norovirus can change over time. Therefore, vaccines are still being studied. A rotavirus vaccine is available. Two different vaccines exist. They require 2 to 3 doses. Children should receive the full vaccine prior to 8 months of age. If you have stomach virus, be responsible.
Do not expose others to it. This includes babies, older people, and people with a low immune system. Do not go to school, work, or public places. There is no medicine that can treat a stomach virus. It has to run its course. You can do things to ease symptoms:. Vomiting, diarrhea, and not eating or drinking causes dehydration.
If you are dehydrated, you may need to go to the hospital for IV fluids. A saline solution will be injected into your veins to replace your fluids. Signs you are dehydrated include:.
Stay home and get plenty of rest. Adults can take over-the-counter medicine, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help reduce fever and pain. Contact your doctor if your symptoms persist or get worse. Severe symptoms include seizures.
Stomach viruses are often mild and go away on their own in 1 to 3 days. Babies, older adults, or people who have low immune systems should see the doctor right away. This can help prevent their infection from getting worse. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Norovirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Rotavirus. This article was contributed by: familydoctor.
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
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