What is stomach flu?

Answer 1

What is commonly called the "Stomach Flu" is an acute contagious infection of the gastrointestinal tract that is caused by an RNA virus named Norovirus, which is from the family of viruses: Caliciviridae. It is not the same as "food poisoning" which is most often caused by bacteria.

"Stomach Flu" also goes by the more correct medical term of viral gastroenteritis, and by other nicknames like "Norwalk Flu," and, "Norwalk Agent." However, even though it is called "flu" by the common nicknames, it is also not actually the same as the flu (influenza). Influenza/flu is an infection also caused by a virus but it is quite different and affects the respiratory system instead of the digestive system and lasts usually 7 to 10 days.

The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are often nausea, headaches, low grade fever, diarrhea and vomiting. You have malaise (feel terrible) and fatigue. Sometimes the diarrhea is incessant and can result in severe dehydration, if the fluids lost are not replenished, you may require hospitalization to treat the condition and prevent widespread organ injury or even organ failure.

It is typically a short illness of two to three days time, when you get plenty of fluids, rest, eat liquids instead of solids and then gradually increase your diet to solid foods as tolerated.

You can prevent the stomach flu if you wash your hands well and often, especially if you know that it is "going around". Use warm soap and water or sanitize your hands (hand sanitizer) often. Avoid nail biting or putting your fingers in your mouth. Eat healthy foods that are soft and bland once you can hold liquids down.