Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis): Symptoms, Types, Prevention and Treatment (At Home)

The stomach flu is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is also known as gastroenteritis or food poisoning. The virus is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water, or by contact with an infected person. While the stomach flu can be unpleasant, it is usually not serious and resolves itself within a few days. However, some people may experience more severe symptoms that require medical treatment. These people are typically young children, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.

What are The Symptoms of Stomach Flu?

Most people with the stomach flu experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. These symptoms can sometimes be accompanied by a fever, chills, or headaches. The stomach flu is usually not serious and will go away on its own within a few days. However, some people may experience more severe symptoms that require medical attention. Following are some of the severe symptoms of stomach flu.

• Blood in your vomit or stool
• Severe abdominal pain
• Dehydration (Signs of dehydration include feeling very thirsty, urinating less than usual, dry mouth, and dizziness.)

If you think you have stomach flu, it's important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Sports drinks or clear broths are good options. You should also avoid dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol. If your symptoms are severe, you may need to be hospitalized for fluids and electrolytes through an IV.

How Do You Catch Stomach Flu?

There are a few different ways that you can catch stomach flu, and the most common way is through contact with contaminated food or water. This can happen if you eat food that has been contaminated with the virus, or if you drink water that has been contaminated with the virus. You can also catch stomach flu by coming into contact with someone who is already infected with the virus. This can happen if you share utensils or cups with someone who is infected, or if you touch something that they have touched and then touch your own mouth or nose. If you are sick with stomach flu, it is important to stay hydrated and rest as much as possible. You should also avoid sharing anything with other people and make sure to wash your hands often.

Types of Viruses That Cause Gastroenteritis

There are a number of different viruses that can cause gastroenteritis. The most common is norovirus, which is responsible for around half of all cases of the condition. Other viruses include rotaviruses, adenoviruses, sapoviruses, and astroviruses.

Noroviruses: Noroviruses are highly contagious and can be spread easily from person to person. They are often found in contaminated food or water, and can also be spread through contact with an infected person. Symptoms usually start within 12-48 hours of exposure and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.

Rotaviruses: Rotaviruses are the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children. They are typically spread through contact with contaminated faeces, and symptoms usually appear within 3-5 days of exposure. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration.

Adenoviruses: Some strains of adenoviruses affect the stomach leading to gastroenteritis. Strains of adenovirus are believed to infect the bladder, leading to the patient experiencing extreme pain while urinating. Visible blood in the urine is also one of the symptoms that you have been exposed to adenovirus. A runny nose, nose congestion, high fever, and ear infection are some other signs of adenovirus infection.

Sapovirus: Sporadic and acute cases of gastroenteritis can be traced back to a patient's exposure to sapovirus. This virus affects children below five years of age the most. Oral rehydration solution remains the most effective method for dealing with sapovirus infection. Some studies have also proven that zinc supplements can reduce the severity of the infection.

Bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis include Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Shigella. Parasites that can cause gastroenteritis include Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum.

When to See a Doctor For Stomach Flu?

We have listed in this blog the severe symptoms of stomach flu. Apart from those severe symptoms, it is recommended that you see a doctor even if you have the following symptoms.

• vomit that is green or bloody
• not urinating for 8 hours
• lightheadedness when standing up
• fever over 101°F (38.3°C)

Treat Stomach Flu at Home

There are a few things you can do to treat stomach flu at home. First, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Clear liquids like water, broth, and sports drinks are typically best. You can also eat bland foods like toast or crackers to help settle your stomach. If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, avoid dairy and fatty foods as they can make these symptoms worse. Finally, rest as much as possible to give your body time to heal. 

Prevention of Stomach Flu

The best way to prevent stomach flu is to practice good hygiene. This means washing your hands regularly, especially after using the restroom or handling food.

It’s also important to clean surfaces that may be contaminated with stomach flu viruses. Use a household cleaner or disinfectant on countertops, cutting boards, and other surfaces.

Another way to prevent stomach flu is to avoid sharing personal items with someone who is sick. This includes towels, dishes, and utensils.

If you are sick, it’s important to stay home and rest until you are feeling better. You should also drink plenty of fluids and avoid foods that are likely to upset your stomach.

Conclusion

Stomach flu is a very unpleasant experience, but luckily there are things you can do to lessen the severity of your symptoms and speed up your recovery. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, get rest, and avoid foods that irritate your stomach. If your symptoms persist or become severe, be sure to see a doctor. We list in this blog the symptoms of stomach flu to help you prepare better and fight off the stomach flu with no trouble. A rapid stool test from a dependable diagnostic lab like Metropolis Healthcare can confirm whether you have stomach flu or not. 

Metropolis Healthcare labs are well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to rapidly detect a wide range of diseases. Early and dependable diagnosis is key to fighting diseases and we at Metropolis strive to offer nothing but the best service to our clients across the world.