What is Stomach Flu? What are its Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments?

Stomach flu, medically known as “viral gastroenteritis,” is a common infection that affects the stomach and intestines. This condition, which affects millions of people every year, can be overcome in a short time with correct information and simple precautions.

What is stomach flu?

Stomach flu is an inflammation that occurs when viruses or bacteria settle in the digestive system. Although it is often confused with the actual flu (influenza), stomach flu is an entirely different disease; it does not affect the respiratory tract but the digestive system.

The most frequently blamed agents for viral gastroenteritis are Norovirus and Rotavirus. While Norovirus is seen at all ages, Rotavirus follows a serious course, especially in children under 5 years of age.

What are the symptoms of stomach flu?

Symptoms usually begin 12–48 hours after exposure to the virus and last for a few days:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Watery diarrhea
• Low-grade fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Fatigue
• Symptoms of dehydration

What causes stomach flu?

Viruses

Norovirus, Rotavirus, and Adenovirus are the most common causes. Close contact with a sick person, contaminated water or food, and touching common surfaces lead to transmission.

Bacteria

Bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli are ingested especially through undercooked meat, raw eggs, or contaminated water. Bacterial-sourced stomach flu usually follows a longer and more severe course.

Parasites

Parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium can be transmitted from contaminated water sources; they create problems especially in individuals with weak immunity.

How is stomach flu treated?

There is no specific medication for viral gastroenteritis; the body heals itself. The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and prevent fluid loss.

Fluid supplementation

Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is the first priority. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) available from pharmacies, ayran (yogurt drink), light tea, and water should be preferred. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages should be avoided.

Nutritional recommendations

As nausea decreases, soft and easily digestible foods should be introduced. Foods such as rice, boiled potatoes, toast, and bananas provide energy without straining the digestive system. Oily, spicy, and dairy-containing foods should be postponed during the recovery process.

Medication use

Paracetamol can be used for fever or pain. A doctor must be consulted regarding the use of anti-diarrheal medications (such as loperamide) in children and in bacterial infections.

Note: Medical help should be sought immediately if there is bloody stool, a fever over 38.5°C, inability to keep fluids down for 24 hours, or severe abdominal pain.

What are the ways to prevent stomach flu?

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
• Avoid raw or undercooked animal products.
• Avoid close contact and sharing utensils with sick individuals.
• Store and cook foods at the correct temperatures.
• Choose bottled water when traveling; do not drink water if you are not sure of its safety.
• The Rotavirus vaccine is included in the routine immunization schedule for infants; follow the vaccination schedule.

Stomach Flu in Children and Infants

Young children are more quickly exposed to dehydration. Signs of dehydration in an infant include no tears when crying, a dry mouth, not wetting a diaper for more than 6 hours, or deep lethargy, and these require urgent medical evaluation. Do not give medication to infants on your own under any circumstances.