Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Stomach flu, also known as viral gastritis, is a common gastrointestinal infection that can cause a lot of discomfort.
It is worth knowing the causes, symptoms and effective methods of treatment and prevention of this disease. In the following article, we will discuss in detail all the important aspects related to stomach flu.
What are the symptoms of stomach flu?
Stomach flu is characterized by a number of unpleasant symptoms that may appear within a few hours after infection. The most common symptoms are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomachache
- Increase in body temperature
- Chills
- Loss of appetite
These symptoms can be very troublesome and lead to dehydration of the body, so it is important to act quickly if these symptoms occur.
Can you have stomach flu without vomiting and diarrhea?
Yes, it is possible that stomach flu can occur without vomiting or diarrhea. Some patients may only experience other symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever or chills. It’s worth remembering that the symptoms of stomach flu can vary from person to person, so there is some variability in the way the disease manifests itself.
Stomach flu and food poisoning – what’s the difference?
Although the symptoms of stomach flu and food poisoning may overlap, the two diseases have different causes. Stomach flu is caused by an infection with a virus, most often noroviruses or rotaviruses. Food poisoning, on the other hand, occurs as a result of consuming contaminated food or water containing harmful bacteria, viruses or toxins.
The symptoms of food poisoning may be similar to those of the stomach flu, but the key difference is the source of the infection. In the case of food poisoning, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain are common, but usually occur after eating contaminated food.
Stomach flu treatment – medications and home remedies
In the case of stomach flu, there is no specific medicine to fight the virus. Treatment is mainly symptomatic and aims to alleviate the symptoms. Here are some recommendations for treating stomach flu:
- Give your body time to heal.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Use antiemetics and painkillers prescribed by your doctor if necessary.
- Follow an easily digestible diet and avoid hard-to-digest foods.
It is also important to follow personal hygiene rules so as not to infect other people.
What to eat with stomach flu?
During stomach flu, it is worth following an easily digestible diet that will not overload the stomach. Recommended products are:
- Ginger tea
- Wheat bread
- Rice
- Cooked vegetables
- Dry crackers
It is worth avoiding fatty, spicy and difficult to digest foods that may worsen the symptoms.
How long does stomach flu last?
The duration of stomach flu can vary from person to person. Symptoms usually last from a few days to a week. After this time, the body should eliminate the virus on its own and regain full health.
How long is the patient contagious with stomach flu?
A person suffering from stomach flu can infect other people both before symptoms appear and for a few days after they disappear. Stomach flu viruses are very contagious, so it is important to follow precautions to avoid spreading the infection. It is recommended to wash your hands regularly and avoid contact with people who are sick or have had contact with people with stomach flu.
Your suggestions
It is worth remembering that stomach flu is an infectious disease, so you should be careful not to infect others. If you have suggestions about the article or would like to learn more about this topic, please consult your doctor or health professional.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in topics related to health and diseases of the digestive tract, we recommend reading other articles on this topic available on our website. Learn more about prevention, treatment and symptoms of various conditions.
Stomach flu can be bothersome, but proper precautions and treatment can help shorten its duration and alleviate symptoms. Remember about personal hygiene and avoid contact with sick people to protect yourself and others from this unpleasant infection.