Gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as a stomach flu, is inflammation in the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites.
The stomach flu reference to intestinal upset is misleading because it is not actually a flu. A flu is a respiratory infection caused by a number of viruses.
Therefore, a virus that infects your respiratory system is a flu and a virus that infects your digestive system is a viral gastroenteritis. And these are different, two distinct systems of your body to which a virus invades.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis include:
The most common problem with gastroenteritis is dehydration. Other than that, most will recover without medically involved treatment.
Gastroenteritis is contagious and you can get this infection through contaminated food, water or contact with an infected person.
Treatment for your stomach flu is:
- get plenty of rest
- drinking plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration
- no food/drink for the first few hours to allow stomach settling
- immediately stop eating if feel your nausea returning, try again later
- avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, fat or seasoned foods for a couple of days
- gradually begin to eat bland, easily digestible foods, such as soda crackers, toast, gelatin, or bananas
- acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or the like, may offer you some relief of gastroenteritis symptoms’ discomfort
Other than that, you will be left to tough it out, unless;
- fever above 101
- blood in watery stool
- fainting or confusion
- vomiting & diarrhea goes beyond a couple of days
In which case you should see your doctor.
