Stomach flu is also known as gastroenteritis, gastric flu or a stomach virus. Stomach flu is the inflammation of the gastro intestinal tract. It involves the stomach and the small intestine. Contact with contaminated food and water can cause the transfer of this virus to these organs.
Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract can be due to certain viruses or in some cases, bacteria or their toxins and parasites. There may be something in the diet which can cause an adverse reaction and trigger off an attack of stomach flu. Food allergies and medication can also result in stomach flu.
The viruses which cause stomach flu are as follows:
- Norovirus:- this virus causes more than 50% of food borne illnesses.
- Rotavirus:- this virus causes diarrhea in children and may result in dehydration.
- Adenovirus:- it normally affects the respiratory tract but some strains of this virus may cause gastroenteritis.
- Astrovirus:- Diarrhea in children can be caused by this virus as well.
- Sapovirus:- Causes a mild form of gastroenteritis in children.
Bacteria such as bacillus, staphylococcus, salmonella, shigella, listeria, aeromonas, yersinia, vibrio and plesiomonas can also be the cause of different types of gastroenteritis.
Stomach flu can also be caused by some parasites such as giardia, cryptosporidium and entamoeba. Sometimes, food allergies, toxins, antibiotics and some other medication can cause gastroenteritis.
A person can contract stomach flu from sharing food or utensils or even kissing an infected person. Shaking hands with an infected person and then eating without washing those hands can also cause gastroenteritis.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea which can be accompanied with stomach cramps and chills are all common symptoms of stomach flu. A patient may also suffer from fever, aching muscles, fatigue and a loss of appetite during an attack of gastroenteritis. In some patients these symptoms appear gradually and in others they may appear suddenly, as soon as the virus is contracted. In mild cases the physician can make a diagnosis based on the symptoms of stomach flu. It is important to run some laboratory tests to ensure that the symptoms are not due to any other severe illness.
Infected people carry the viruses of stomach flu in their bodily fluids. The symptoms tend to manifest themselves much after the virus is contracted. When the virus is swallowed it travels down to the stomach and the intestine causing an inflammation of these organs, thus resulting in discomfort. The functions of these organs become impaired.
To treat stomach flu, the digestive tract should be rested. When the symptoms are prominent the person should only have a diet of clear liquids and stay away from any form of solid food. During vomiting the patient should be given just sips of water. Once the vomiting eases, the patient can be given soft bland food. It is necessary to keep the person hydrated during an attack of stomach flu, but a high intake of liquids may increase the vomiting.
Milk, citrus juices, carbonated drinks and caffeine should be avoided by those suffering from stomach flu. A regular intake of water which is boiled or filtered, will keep the patient hydrated. In case the person loses a lot of bodily fluids through vomiting and diarrhea then electrolyte replacement drinks should be given. A mild tea without milk can also be consumed. It is important to stay away from spicy, acidic and fatty food and also from food that is high in fiber content. A person should not consume eggs, meat, fish and chicken when suffering from stomach flu. It is better to keep the stomach partially empty than full.
Stomach flu typically lasts for about three days but if the symptoms persist then the physician may resort to medication.
Stomach flu or gastroenteritis can affect infants, toddlers, children and adults and it is important to treat the condition immediately.