What is Stomach Flu?
Stomach flu is a viral infection that affects the stomach or intestines. Also known as viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu can also be caused by bacteria or parasites in some cases. The characteristic symptoms of stomach flu include digestive issues such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and nausea.
Stomach flu, which is usually transmitted through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food and water, does not cause complications for healthy individuals. However, it can be fatal for the elderly, infants, children, and adults with weakened immune systems.
There is no effective treatment for viral stomach flu. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures.
Stomach Flu Diagnosis Methods
The diagnosis of stomach flu is usually made based on symptoms. In some cases, viral gastroenteritis is diagnosed based on the presence of similar cases in the community. A rapid stool test can detect rotavirus or noroviruses for diagnosis. Other than this, there are no rapid tests for other viruses causing gastroenteritis. Therefore, stool samples are examined to determine whether the stomach flu is bacterial or parasitic.
Causes of Stomach Flu
Stomach flu is caused by various viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The most common viruses causing stomach flu include the following:
Norovirus
Noroviruses are the leading cause of stomach flu in adults. It is estimated that nearly half of the global cases are due to these viruses. Noroviruses are more resistant to disinfectants and heat compared to other virus strains.
Rotavirus
Rotaviruses are the leading cause of stomach flu in children worldwide. Most children are exposed to this virus before the age of three, hence developing immunity as adults. Currently, there is a vaccine for rotavirus.
Astrovirus
Astroviruses generally affect children under the age of three and spread in places where children gather, such as daycare centers.
Adenovirus
Adenovirus typically causes respiratory infections, but when ingested, it can also lead to digestive system infections.
Risk Factors for Stomach Flu
Stomach flu is a disease that affects people of all ages around the world. Individuals who are particularly vulnerable to stomach flu include:
- Young children who are in childcare centers or primary schools, where their immune systems have not yet fully matured.
- Older adults
- Adults living in nursing homes
- Schools or dormitories
- People with weakened immune systems for any reason
Symptoms of Stomach Flu
Symptoms of stomach flu usually appear within 1-3 days after exposure to the pathogen. While the severity of symptoms can vary among patients, they typically resolve within two days. In some cases, symptoms may last up to 14 days.
Stomach flu affects the stomach and intestines, and symptoms are therefore related to the digestive system. Symptoms of stomach flu include:
- Watery and non-bloody diarrhea
- Bloody diarrhea if there is a more severe infection
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps and pain
- Occasional muscle and headache
- Low-grade fever
Adults should seek medical attention if the following symptoms occur:
- Inability to retain fluids for 24 hours
- Diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than two days
- Vomiting blood
- Signs of dehydration
- Severe stomach pain
- Fever over 40°C (104°F)
Children should be taken to a doctor as soon as possible if the following symptoms are observed:
- Fever of 38.9°C (102°F) or higher
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Significant discomfort or pain
- Bloody diarrhea
- Signs of dehydration
Infants should be taken to a doctor immediately if the following symptoms occur:
- Frequent vomiting
- No wet diaper for six hours
- Bloody stool
- Severe diarrhea
- Sunken fontanelle
- Dry mouth
- Crying without tears
- Unusually sleepy or unresponsive
Treatment Methods for Stomach Flu
There is no treatment to eliminate the viruses causing stomach flu. The immune system can overcome stomach flu through its natural process. Therefore, measures are taken to help alleviate severe symptoms of stomach flu. These measures include:
- Use of probiotics
- Increasing water intake
- Avoiding fatty, sugary, caffeinated, or dairy foods
- Consuming easily digestible foods that provide quick energy, such as fruit juice, salty crackers, ice cream, and broth
- Increasing salt intake
Precautions to Prevent Stomach Flu
To prevent the spread of stomach flu, the following precautions should be taken:
- Vaccination of children against rotavirus
- Proper handwashing
- Sanitizing hands before preparing food, before eating, after using the bathroom, and after changing diapers
- Using separate personal items
- Washing all fruits and vegetables before consumption
- Cleaning surfaces and kitchen utensils before preparing food
- Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
- Disinfecting hard surfaces if a family member has stomach flu
- Wearing gloves when handling the laundry or bedding of an infected person and washing them in hot water
Precautions to Take While Traveling
Traveling significantly increases the risk of contracting stomach flu. To reduce this risk, consider the following precautions:
- Drink only well-sealed, bottled water
- Avoid consuming ice cubes
- Use bottled water for brushing your teeth
- Avoid raw foods
- Avoid undercooked meat and fish
