When the stomach flu strikes, its symptoms can be uncomfortable and disruptive, causing havoc on our digestive health. It is also known medically as viral gastroenteritis and can lead to distressing signs, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. We spoke to Dr Anurag Shetty, Medical Gastroenterology, KMC Hospital, Mangaluru, who explained this condition, its symptoms, complications, and treatment.
Dr Shetty said, “Stomach flu refers to gastroenteritis and is usually caused by a viral infection of the intestine. It can spread by contact with an infected person or through contaminated water and food. It mostly occurs in the rainy season because of contamination of drinking water during the rainy season from the overflowing drains.”
Symptoms Of Stomach Flu
Dr Shetty said that stomach flu is normally a self-limiting disease if you take adequate care. Here are some symptoms associated with stomach flu:
- Watery non-bloody diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain or intestinal cramps
- Fever
- Headaches
- Body aches
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), viral gastroenteritis is characterised by its acute nature, manifesting suddenly and lasting only for a brief period.
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When Is It Serious
Dr Shetty said, “Usually, the patients recover within a day or two, but sometimes the symptoms may persist for a week or so. For people in the extremes of ages (infants/elderly) and those with a weak immune system, this stomach flu can sometimes be dangerous. Hence, immediate medical care is required as soon as they develop stomach flu symptoms.”
Complications Of Stomach Flu
If the symptoms are severe and not adequately taken care of, it can lead to complications, such as kidney failure and low blood pressure, which can be life-threatening. It is necessary to take immediate medical care if the patient develops warning signs, such as blood in stools or vomitus, signs of dehydration (increased thirst, reduced urine, dark urine), or if the symptoms persist for more than a day or two.
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Treatment Of Stomach Flu
Dr Shetty listed the treatment measures for stomach flu as follows:
- Maintain hydration by consuming adequate liquids
- Maintain a bland diet for a couple of days which is easy to digest
- Avoid consuming milk and caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, coke, etc
- Try to incorporate more fruit juices in your diet, which can serve as an instant source of energy and buttermilk, which is a good source of probiotics
- Take adequate rest and avoid strenuous activities till you recover
He added, “The best treatment is prevention which can be easily achieved by personal hygiene measures such as hand washing, consuming boiled drinking water and heating food before consumption.”
Bottomline
Dr Shetty concluded, “You should practise good hygiene habits, such as regular handwashing, avoiding undercooked foods, and maintaining proper food safety measures, which can help reduce the risk of contracting stomach flu from infectious sources. If symptoms persist or become severe, it's essential to seek medical attention for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.”
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided by the expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult with your expert if you notice any symptoms or complications.
