Stomach Flu: Not Your Typical Flu

At first, you might think this is another type of flu, just like the dreaded "Bird Flu" or the common flu. Stomach flu is the common name for viral gastroenteritis, an infection that results in vomiting or diarrhea caused by a variety of viruses. Though commonly known as stomach flu, it is not caused by any of the flu viruses.

Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis can be caused by viruses, such as rotaviruses, noroviruses, sapoviruses and astroviruses. This condition is not caused by bacteria, parasites, medications or other medical conditions, although the symptoms maybe somewhat similar. The cause of diarrhea can be determined by your health-care provider.

Watery diarrhea and vomiting are the most common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis and may be accompanied by fever, headache, and abdominal cramping. Symptoms generally begin 1 to 2 days following viral infection and may last for 1 to 10 days, depending on the type of virus that caused the illness.

Most people recover from this illness without long-term problems. Infants, children, elderly and immune compromised persons are at risk of dehydration from loss of fluid caused by vomiting or diarrhea. Dehydration is the most common complication of viral gastroenteritis if lost fluids are not immediately replaced.

The viruses that cause gastroenteritis can be spread through close contact with an infected person. Eating and drinking contaminated foods and beverages can also infect individuals.

Preventing severe loss of fluids is the most important treatment for viral gastroenteritis and should begin at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that families with infants and young children keep a supply of oral rehydration solution (ORS) at home, and use the solution when diarrhea first occurs in the child. Your physician may give you specific instructions about what kinds of fluid to give. Medications and other treatments should be avoided unless recommended by your doctor. Antibiotics should not be used to treat viral gastroenteritis because they have no effect on viruses.

Anybody can get viral gastroenteritis. But you can reduce the chance of getting it by frequent handwashing, disinfection of contaminated surfaces with household chlorine bleach-based cleaners, and prompt washing of soiled articles of clothing. You should avoid eating and drinking foods and beverages if you suspect that it is contaminated.

Source:
Viral Gastroenteritis(2006). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 15, 2007, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/faq.htm