Viral Gastroenteritis or stomach flu is an intestinal infection developed through contact with an infected person or by ingesting unsafe and contaminated food and water that is marked by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pains, headache, nausea, or vomiting, and sometimes fever. Commonly, you can acquire the infection from bacteria, parasites, toxins, and viruses. The culprit behind stomach flu in adults is the Norovirus, while rotavirus is frequently to blame for stomach flu in children. Most healthy individuals can easily recover from the infection, but for children, older people, and people with weak immune responses, stomach flu can be deadly.
Signs and symptoms associated with the infection are constant watery diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration, you may experience skin and mouth dryness, feeling lightheaded, and being thirsty. Children are the most vulnerable to this infection and can get dehydrated quickly, so look for the signs and symptoms like dry skin and mouth, or fewer and dry diapers.
There is no treatment for this infection, but you can prevent it from occurring. Prevention is the key to this infection. Get your child vaccinated for stomach flu, vaccines are available in our country. Wash your hands thoroughly and make sure your children do, too. Washing your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds is the right and proper handwashing technique. Be sure to rub hands around the cuticle, behind fingernails, and in the creases of the hands. Avoid sharing your things with another person, like towels, utensils, and drinking glasses. Disinfect your house regularly to kill disease-causing bacteria and viruses, and always take good care of your health. If you happen to experience some symptoms, immediately consult your healthcare provider.
NO I Zamubec Alomar C. Adlawan, RND
References:
1. Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/viral-gastroenteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378847
2. Gastroenteritis ("Stomach Flu")
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/gastroenteritis
By Mary Jo DiLonardo Medically Reviewed by Neha Pathak, MD on September 17, 2021
3. What causes stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12418-gastroenteritis#:~:text=What%20causes%20stomach,the%20small%20intestine.
