Gastric Flu
Gastric Flu versus Seasonal Flu
Gastric flu, scientifically referred to as the gastroenteritis is completely different from swine flu and seasonal flu. However, many of us fail to understand the subtle differences and remain confused with the three. Here is the right article that can enlighten you on the stomach flu and educate you on the differences between seasonal flu, more often called “the flu” and the stomach flu.
Being the second most common illness across the United States, Stomach flu is a viral infection that leads to the inflammation of the stomach and the intestinal walls. While it can be caused by the intake of contaminated food or other serious illnesses, it causes bloating and discomforts the intestine and stomach.
Symptoms of Gastric Flu and Seasonal Flu
The signs of gastric flu constitute nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, fatigue and stomach pain. In case of influenza or the seasonal flu, the signs namely vomiting and diarrhea are rare. However you might have common cold and cough since it’s more of a respiratory illness rather than an ailment of the stomach.
Treating Gastric Flu
Generally, gastric flu is not treated with medications since antibiotics prove to be ineffective. However if children have fever with stomach flu, try giving acetaminophen or Tylenol since they are mild. Aspirin is not a medication for people under 18 years of age.
Trying to rest the stomach can give some relief. After this, you can start taking electrolyte solution every 5-10 minutes. Once vomiting stops, you can increase the intake of this solution and switch to bland dieting. Crackers, toast, rice. Bananas and apples work best and keep away from fried and spicy items since they are likely to worsen the situation with ease. Severe dehydration can cause the injection of IV fluids too.
Severe fever, mucus in stool, persistent vomiting and diarrhea, blood in vomit or stools, intolerable stomach pain, unusual sleeping routine, dizziness sign danger and needs immediate doctor’s consultation.
Gastric Flu Prevention
Gastric flu is definitely very contagious. Hence it is important that you maintain personal hygiene. Hand washing every time you come home after being out of house, and using sanitizers often can help in killing the germs present in hands with ease.
Staying away from infected persons can also help in prevention. If you get infected, ensure that you cough within your elbows and stay away from public places for at least 7 days to prevent transmission of the disease to others.
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