Which stomach flu is going around

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Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. If you have ever come down with the stomach flu and have experienced episodes of crushing nausea , vomiting , and diarrhea, someone probably told you that it's just a "hour bug. But is there really such a thing? Can a stomach bug actually slip through your system as fast as that, leaving behind only a vague memory of the illness? This article explains the symptoms, causes, and treatment of the stomach flu.

When describing a stomach bug, the word "flu" is not exactly correct. In purely medical terms, the flu influenza is a common viral infection that mainly affects the respiratory system. You usually have symptoms such as:. On the other hand, the stomach flu is more accurately referred to as gastroenteritis. Unlike influenza , gastroenteritis can be triggered by any number of disease-causing pathogens including:.

It is commonly associated with the rotavirus in children and either the norovirus or the Campylobacter bacteria in adults.

Here's a brief look at the main differences between stomach flu and seasonal flu. Spreads through person-to-person contact, contaminated food or water, or, in the case of parasites, contact with infected feces. Spreads by dissemination of virus in droplets spewed into air when an infected person sneezes or coughs; particles can travel as far as six feet.

Clearly, because lots of things can cause stomach flu , it may be overly optimistic to suggest that it will go away in 24 hours. It may do so, but it can also take up to 10 days for some to fully recover. Gastroenteritis, also known as infectious diarrhea, is characterized by the inflammation of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.

It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal distress. In general, stomach flu appears suddenly. It hits hard. Then it gets better once the symptoms decrease. While many types of viral illnesses such as influenza and the common cold tend to be transmitted in the air, gastroenteritis tends to be transmitted by:.

About Norovirus. You can get norovirus from: Having direct contact with an infected person Consuming contaminated food or water Touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth.

Norovirus Symptoms. The most common symptoms are: Diarrhea Vomiting Nausea Stomach pain. Prevent Norovirus.

Protect yourself and others from norovirus: Wash your hands often Rinse fruits and vegetables Cook shellfish thoroughly Stay home when sick and for two days after symptoms stop Avoid preparing food for others when sick and for two days after symptoms stop. Trends and Outbreaks. Outbreaks are common The virus spreads very easily and quickly Norovirus spreads: From infected people to others Through contaminated foods and surfaces Outbreaks can happen anytime, but they occur most often from November to April.

Acute Bronchitis. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Bursitis of the Hip. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. High Blood Pressure. Table of Contents. What is a stomach virus? Read More by Dr. Shilpa Mehta. Symptoms of a stomach virus Common symptoms include: Stomach pain Nausea and vomiting Loss of appetite Diarrhea Fever Headache and body aches. What causes a stomach virus?

Several things can cause a stomach virus: Norovirus: This is the main cause. This represents a family of viruses. Rotavirus: This is a viral infection. This is common in babies and young kids. How is a stomach virus diagnosed? Can a stomach virus be prevented or avoided? You can help prevent or avoid a stomach virus by doing these things: Wash your hands often.

Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects in your home, office, and classroom.

Use hand sanitizer after being in public. Separate the laundry of a sick person from the rest of the family. Stay away from people who have the virus. Stomach virus treatment There is no medicine that can treat a stomach virus. You can do things to ease symptoms: Eat bland foods. Drink clear, fizzy drinks ginger ale is best. Stay hydrated. Signs you are dehydrated include: Dark, yellow urine Increased thirst Feeling dizzy or fainting Rapid heartbeat Rapid breathing Lack of energy Confusion Irritability Babies will be fussy and cry they will not have tears if they are dehydrated Water or sports drinks with vitamins and nutrients are helpful.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Living with a stomach virus Stomach viruses are often mild and go away on their own in 1 to 3 days. Questions to ask your doctor How do I know if the virus is the norovirus or rotavirus? Can I get the virus more than once a season?