Viral gastroenteritis is commonly called the stomach flu. It is a viral infection of your intestine that can be very painful and can come on very suddenly. Stomach flu is very common; stomach flu symptoms can be very painful and uncomfortable, but fortunately this illness is usually not dangerous. If you are immunocompromised, however, the stomach flu can be dangerous.
Key Points
- You can catch the stomach flu from many places, including contaminated food and water.
- Typically, those suffering from the stomach flu will experience diarrhea or vomiting.
- The stomach flu should clear up after a day or two. If it does not, call your doctor.
Stomach Flu Symptoms
The stomach flu is caused by a virus that is at home in contaminated food, contaminated water, and other people who are suffering from the stomach flu. Stomach flu symptoms usually begin to appear one to three days after infection.
Stomach flu symptoms differ from other types of flu, as it doesn't affect your upper respiratory system. One of the toughest symptoms is abdominal cramps and pain. The abdominal pain can cause you to double over in pain. It's usually accompanied by frequent, watery diarrhea. It's usually not bloody, but can be in more serious infections. You may also experience vomiting, nausea, muscle aches and pains, and a low grade fever. Stomach flu symptoms can range from moderate to severe, but luckily they only usually last for a day or two and then they go away.
If you experience these stomach flu symptoms, you can be pretty certain that you have the stomach flu. It could, however, be food poisoning. If the symptoms are particularly severe or they last for more than two days, you should immediately seek medical treatment in case it is something more serious.
How to Avoid the Stomach Flu
Pretty much everyone will get the stomach flu at some point. Children, the immunocompromised, and those who work with children are the most at risk. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of catching this nasty illness.
Teach your children proper hygiene. As soon as they are able, your children should learn how to wash their hands properly. Supervise young children when they wash their hands to ensure they do it properly. They should use soap and warm water, washing vigorously for at least thirty seconds. Make sure your children bathe regularly. Teach them to avoid putting their hands in their eyes or mouths.
Sanitize and disinfect. Sanitizing and disinfecting commonly-touched surfaces will help keep disease out of your home. If you are out in public, sanitize your hands before eating. Wipe down doorknobs, kitchen counters, tables, remotes, and any other frequently-touched surfaces often. Wash your bathroom regularly, and use hot water when washing dishes and utensils.
Air out your house every once in a while. Even in winter, airing out your house is important. Allowing fresh air into your home can help reduce your chances of catching an illness. You don't need to keep your windows open constantly, but cracking a few windows for 20-30 minutes once a week can help keep your home safer and healthier.
Invest in a HEPA-certified air purifier. An air purifier can pull a lot of different things out of the air, from dust to pollen to germs. Getting a high quality air purifier can help keep your home cleaner and healthier. Remember that you should only run an air purifier when your windows and doors are shut. Get a HEPA-certified air purifier to ensure it is capable of filtering pathogens out of the air.
Do not take the content of this article as professional medical advice. It's important to exercise due diligence when obtaining relevant information in matters pertaining to your health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.