Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea - "The Stomach Flu"

Are you in Macon, GA and suffering from vomiting and diarrhea? Head on over to Med Plus Immediate Care for quick care. Check in now or walk-in for your appointment.

Overview

Do you have a stomach ache? Vomiting? You may be suffering from a stomach virus. 

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis, which can be caused by various viruses, the most common of which are norovirus and rotavirus. The stomach flu is another name for this illness.

Typically the stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis are spread by coming in contact with  an infected person or consuming contaminated food or water. Viral gastroenteritis is especially dangerous for infants, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.

Gastroenteritis is not influenza, even though it is commonly called  the “stomach flu.”

Symptoms

  • Loose, watery diarrhea more than three times a day
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Headache
  • Sweating
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite

The best time to see a doctor:

For infants and children. Conditions that necessitate immediate medical attention include:

  • Has a high fever
  • Irritable and tired
  • Dehydrated
  • Vomits frequently
  • Has bloody stool

For adults. Conditions that necessitate immediate medical attention include:

  • You can’t keep liquids down for more than 24 hours at a time.
  • Vomiting or diarrhea has persisted for more than two days.
  • Fever 
  • Severe abdominal  pain or pain in a specific part of the abdomen
  • Dehydrated

Causes

Numerous viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis. These viruses are easily spread amongst people when they are in close quarters. The virus can spread in a variety of ways, including:

  • Consuming contaminated food or water.
  • Touching your mouth after getting in contact with a contaminated object or food.
  • Having close contact with an infected person

Gastroenteritis is caused by different types of viruses, including:

  • Norovirus. The stomach and/or intestines become swollen and inflamed when infected with norovirus. The medical term for this illness is acute gastroenteritis. Symptoms of norovirus typically begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Most norovirus sufferers recover within 1 to 3 days of contracting the disease. 
  • Rotavirus. The fecal-oral route is the primary means by which the virus spreads. It causes gastroenteritis by infecting and damaging the cells lining the small intestine (often called “stomach flu” despite having no relation to influenza). 

Prevention

Take the following helpful tips to avoid the spread of intestinal infections:

  • Wash your hands properly. Also, be sure to teach this to your children. Washing hands is essential before and after going to the bathroom, so make sure your older children learn this habit.
  • Wash all your produce before consuming it. Before preparing food on a surface in the kitchen, make sure it is clean. Prevent food preparation if you are ill.
  • Keep your distance from the people who have the virus.
  • Do not share kitchen utensils.

Consider these self-care measures if you are suffering from viral gastroenteritis and are concerned about dehydration:

  • Drink a lot of clean water before and after your meals. If you’re having trouble, try sucking on ice chips or drinking minimal water.
  • Electrolytes. Electrolytes can be restored by drinking sports drinks, both for children and adults. Pedialyte is an excellent choice for babies and toddlers because it is specifically formulated with their needs.
  • Get plenty of rest. Set a goal of getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night as a top priority. Wait to put in any effort until you feel as strong and energized as usual.
  • Reduce the amount of food you eat. To aid your stomach’s recovery, eat smaller portions of food.
  • Medications. Before taking any medications or administering them to children, make an appointment with your physician.