What are the common symptoms of stomach flu?
October 10, 2012 | by Dr.Steph | Symptom Checker
What is stomach flu and what are the symptoms of stomach flu?
Stomach flu is an often used term for gastroenteritis. People often mistake these two with the viral infection which is popularly called ‘flu’. We all know that the most common symptoms of flu are fever, muscle pains, congestion and fatigue. Are these also the symptoms of stomach flu? Stomach flu is not an infection which is similar to a common cold, it is an inflammation if stomach and intestines. It may be caused not only by a virus, but also by bacteria and parasites which are in spoiled food and unclean water. Another difference between the illnesses is that flu may lead to pneumonia and no antibiotic can treat it as it is caused by virus. Stomach flu has various symptoms – stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fever, headache and loss of bodily fluids.
What causes symptoms of stomach flu and the illness itself?
Symptoms of Stomach Flu
Stomach flu is caused by bacteria such as E.coli, Campylobacter, Shigella and Salmonella. Also some viruses may cause the disease, too. As the research says about 30 – 40 % of gastroenteritis cases are caused by viruses. The most famous one is rotavirus. Not many people know that symptoms of stomach flu are also a result of the parasites presence in the body. They cause diarrhea and dehydration of the body. Parasites are quite common in some parts of the world where there is a problem with clean water. Moreover, stomach flu can also be caused by some foods. Among the popular examples of food irritating the stomach are dairy products and seafood. It is also necessary to mention a poor hygiene which may lead to stomach flu, too.
It is not hard to notice stomach flu – you feel weak, dizzy, you are losing body fluids, have nausea and are vomiting. Among other symptoms of stomach flu are fever, headache and the overwhelming feeling of fatigue. If you have these symptoms it is necessary to be taken to a doctor. Doctor will prescribe you some medicines but be careful with them, especially if you are vomiting. Follow a diet – you should drink water, eat rolls without butter, boiled rice. Day by day you will feel better as gastroenteritis is a disease which usually lasts 2 – 5 days. Generally, no treatment is necessary if you drink as much as possible. However, in case of children it may be crucial to implement some medical treatment.