Treatment Of Stomach Flu Symptoms

Contracting stomach flu symptoms can be very depressing! You can find yourself stuck in the toilet for days. Diarrhea is the one of the main stomach flu symptoms. Some people also experience vomiting. What happens to cause stomach flu symptoms is that the cells along the small intestinal lining becomes damaged due to a viral infection. Contrary to what people think, stomach flu is not caused by a bacteria or even close to the virus that causes influenza. Stomach flu is also known as viral gastroenteritis or stomach virus.

The damaged cells leaks fluid which causes diarrhea with a watery consistency. The rotavirus is main leader of viruses that can cause watery stools in children under five years old. Children who got an infection from the rotavirus, can be ill for a period two to seven days and can experience stomach flu symptoms such as fever and stomach pain and cramping. Adults can also become infected but the symptoms are generally milder.

There are also three other viruses that can cause stomach flu:

Calicivirus is a group of viruses with the norovirus being the most likely culprit of stomach flu in people of all age ranges. Other than diarrhea and vomiting, some sufferers also experience headaches, muscle pain and fatigue. It takes up to three after exposure to start showing symptoms.

Adenovirus is particularly active in young toddlers age 2 and under. There are about 50 different strains of this virus but only one causes the vomiting and diarrhea.

Astrovirus is often found in those with weaker immune systems like the elderly, infants and young children. This virus breeds best during winter time and most people will show symptoms in about three days after exposure.

This is one virus that is particularly contagious. In fact, just touching objects contaminated with the virus is enough to expose a person to it. If you share drinks, utensils or buying food prepared by someone with the virus, you can also develop stomach flu symptoms within a few days. Those who not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom are more than likely to pass along the virus. Eating food grown in viral infected soil or in contaminated waters can also cause you to get stomach flu symptoms. It is a fact that viruses live virtually everywhere.

Strangely, some people do not get a stomach virus but can still pass along the infection. That explains why not everyone falls sick nor at the same time. Only some get sick in classroom settings, nursing homes, households, day care settings, etc.

Unfortunately, there are no cures for viruses; hence, you just need to allow your stomach flu symptoms to run its course. Getting bed rest is important so that your body can take the chance to recuperate. However, you can take some measures to reduce the intensity of your symptoms.

The biggest problem of having stomach flu symptoms is dehydration. Fluids are lost by your body through diarrhea. If you or a loved one has the stomach flu, you must ensure that you consume enough fluids. Mild juices, water and broth are great at keeping your fluid levels up.

Children are most susceptible to dehydration. It is best that they consume electrolyte replacement drinks to help. In addition, until the stomach is feeling better and stools become more solid, both children and adults should avoid dairy products and alcohol and caffeine. All these tend to aggravate stomach flu symptoms further.

You can prevent the contraction of a stomach flu symptoms by always washing your hands before meals and after changing diapers. In addition, avoid any areas that may not have adequate water supply or improper sanitary waste management system.