Are you also feeling unwell with a stomach ache? Let's talk about 'Stomach Flu'

Suddenly, you feel like your stomach is turning over, you have to go to the bathroom several times a day, and you also vomit. Your body feels very upset. Have you ever had this experience? Although we often call it 'food poisoning', this could be a medical condition called 'Stomach Flu' or `(Viral Gastroenteritis)'. Although the name may sound scary, this is a very common thing that almost all of us experience at some point in our lives. So let's find out more about it today.

What exactly is 'Stomach Flu'?

Simply put, 'stomach flu' is an inflammation of your stomach and intestines caused by a viral infection. Doctors call this ``Viral Gastroenteritis''. If we break down the meaning of this word,

• Gastro means stomach.
• Enter refers to the small intestine.
• The suffix -itis refers to inflammation, a swelling-like condition caused by an infection.
• Viral means it is caused by a virus.

So, all in all, it means that it is an infection of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus . This is what causes symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

So why is it called 'flu'? Is this really a flu?

This is a problem that many people have. Although the name says 'flu', this has nothing to do with the 'flu' (influenza) that we commonly know, which comes with a cold and cough. That flu affects the respiratory system. This 'stomach flu' affects the digestive system.

So why is it called this? One reason is that both conditions occur at the same time. It's also possible that the name is used to make it easier to say, "I'm sick, but it's just my stomach." So remember, this isn't really 'flu' (influenza).

What are the main symptoms of this?

When you get the stomach flu, your body's immune system starts a fight with the virus. That fight is what we feel as those symptoms. These are the main symptoms that you can see.

If the infection is severe, or if your immune system responds aggressively, other symptoms may occur that affect the entire body.

• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Fever and Chills

So how is this disease transmitted?

This is actually very contagious. It is mainly spread through the "fecal-to-oral route," which means that viral particles in the feces or vomit of an infected person can inadvertently enter the mouth of another person.

Think about it this way. Someone who is sick goes to the bathroom and doesn't wash their hands properly. Then, if they touch a doorknob, a table, or a cooking utensil, those virus particles get on those surfaces. Then, if you touch that surface and eat food with those same hands, the virus gets into your body. It can also be spread through contaminated water or food.

How many days will this illness last?

For most people, this subsides within two to three days. However, in some cases, especially in those with weakened immune systems, it can last for a week or two.

The best part is that you are most likely to infect someone else from the time your symptoms start until about two days after they have completely gone . So, it's important to stay away from other people during that time.

How do we treat this? What can we do at home?

The most important thing to remember here is that since the stomach flu is a viral infection, antibiotics have no effect on it. Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections.

The best treatment for this is to give your body's immune system the support it needs to fight it and win.

1. Get plenty of rest: Your body needs energy to fight the virus, so get as much rest as possible.

2. Drink plenty of fluids: Vomiting and diarrhea cause the body to lose a lot of water and electrolytes. This can lead to dehydration. The most important thing is to prevent it.

• Drink water little by little throughout the day.
• Things like orange water, salt porridge, sau porridge, and jeevani are very good.
• Stay away from sugary drinks (colas, sweet drinks). They can increase diarrhea.

3. Eat light meals: Eat small amounts of food that is easy on the stomach and easy to digest.

• Things like rice porridge and kurakkan porridge are good.
• Try things like saltine crackers, bread, and bananas.
• Avoid oily, spicy, and spicy foods and dairy products for a few days.

A dangerous condition to watch out for: Dehydration

The most serious and dangerous complication of the stomach flu is dehydration. This is especially true for young children and the elderly. Be very aware of these symptoms.

When should you see a doctor?

Most of the time, this condition can be managed at home. However, in the following cases, it is imperative to seek medical advice.

• If symptoms do not improve after three to four days.
• If you have a high fever (over 102 Fahrenheit / 39 Celsius).
• If you are unable to keep any fluids down due to vomiting.
• If you see the symptoms of dehydration mentioned above.
• If you have severe stomach pain .
• If there is blood in the stool.

In such a situation, it is best to go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

How can I prevent this from happening again?

The best defense against the stomach flu is cleanliness .

1. Wash your hands often: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and before preparing food. Soap and water are much more effective than hand sanitizer.

2. Keep surfaces clean: If someone in the house is sick, clean the bathroom, doorknobs, and taps they use with a disinfectant solution (e.g., a little bleach diluted in water).

3. Food Safety: Be careful about cleanliness when preparing and eating food. It is best if someone who is sick avoids preparing food for others.

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