What is the stomach flu?
The term stomach flu is actually a misnomer since this condition is caused by one of several viruses that differ from the ones that cause influenza, the “true” flu. (Influenza usually causes respiratory symptoms, but gastrointestinal ones.) When people say they’ve had a case of the stomach flu they’re actually referring to a condition called viral gastroenteritis, caused by a variety of viruses that infect the intestinal tract. These viruses can lead to those very uncomfortable symptoms that’ll keep you parked in the bathroom for a few days. What about food poisoning? In contrast to viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning is usually caused by bacteria that’s contaminated food that you’ve recently eaten. Contamination may occur at any stage of food preparation. In the case of meat, it could have occurred as far back as the slaughter house and with produce it can sometimes be traced all the way back to the fields where the vegetables were grown. It can also occur during preparation of the
Many people use the term “stomach flu” to describe illnesses with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms can be caused by many different viruses, bacteria, or even parasites. While vomiting, diarrhea, and being nauseous or “sick to your stomach” can sometimes be related to the flu — particularly in children — these problems are rarely the main symptoms of influenza. The flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal disease.
One of the most common causes for abdominal pain in children is the stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis (gas-tro-in-ter-I-tis). It’s usually caused by bacteria or a virus and may cause your child to vomit, have diarrhea, a fever, or all of those symptoms. The symptoms will probably last for several days and disappear on their own. Bed rest and plenty of liquids are usually the recommended treatment. The appetite should come back after a day or so of feeling better. After a day or two of vomiting and diarrhea, children, especially those under six months of age, often become dehydrated. Look for eyes that appear sunken in, dry skin, or skin that wrinkles easily. Also be careful if your child’s not urinating very much or if the mouth is dry. These can be additional symptoms of dehydration and should be tended to immediately. Contact a healthcare provider for more information about the stomach flu or dehydration.
