The stomach flu is also known as gastroenteritis or stomach virus. Irritation of the stomach and intestines is known as stomach flu. Usually, in a couple of days, this flu goes away on its own. Although this condition is known as viral gastroenteritis, it is not caused by the influenza virus. This strain of flu affects the stomach area and intestines, while influenza affects the respiratory tract, lungs, head, and sinuses. The causative factors are bacteria, viruses, and certain parasites such as cryptosporidium, giardia, E.coli, Shigella, Salmonella, Adenovirus, Rotavirus, Caliciviruses, Astrovirus, etc. These bacteria, viruses, and parasites enter the stomach through the mouth.
Stomach flu symptoms occur after physical contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands, drinking from an infected glass, or sharing food with an infected person who may transmit the virus from the infected person. Once contact with the flu virus is established, the virus travels to the stomach and intestines. The virus causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
The stomach flu manifests itself through various symptoms. Symptoms usually take several days to appear after infection with the causative factor. Symptoms can last from 1 to 10 days, depending on the type of infection. In general, most unresolved flu symptoms require medical assistance. Stomach flu symptoms differ from person to person and flu symptoms basically depend on the causative factor. The severity of the symptoms is based on the body’s resistance.
Some of the symptoms of stomach flu are as follows:-
Diarrhea is the most common symptom,
Fever,
Headache,
abdominal cramps,
Strong burning pains in the stomach,
pain in the muscles,
Weakness,
dizziness,
Nausea,
belly bread,
swollen lymph glands,
vomiting,
loss of appetite,
weightloss,
blackouts,
Fainting,
Dehydration, etc.
Usually, the stomach flu does not become a serious illness. However, sometimes a person can become seriously ill, and if the condition is not treated, the infection can become life-threatening. One must be very careful and cautious regarding the development of dehydration. Dehydration is the most serious and life-threatening complication of the stomach flu. Continued vomiting and diarrhea lead to loss of fluids and electrolytes, resulting in dehydration.
Some of the symptoms of dehydration are:
Sunken eyes, increased thirst, loss of skin elasticity, fever greater than 101 degrees F, dry or sticky mucous membranes in the mouth, bloody vomit or bloody stools, decreased urination, drowsiness, swollen abdomen, or pain in the lower part of the abdomen, constant vomiting that lasts more than 48 hours.
All flu symptoms can be treated with adequate rest, excessive fluid intake, and medication.