Why does my stomach still hurt after the flu?
What effects do bugs have on your system?
- Initially – diarrhoea galore! When it comes to most infections, whether they are viral or bacterial in nature, the first few days are often the worst and we can be ...
- Sometime after – you may still be suffering from the effects! ...
- They could have an effect on stomach acid levels. ...
- They can have negative effects on the balance of bacteria in your gut. ...
When is the stomach flu contagious and for how long?
Stomach flu caused by rotavirus is contagious during the incubation period (one to three days) that precedes symptoms. People infected with this virus continue to be contagious for up to two weeks after they’ve recovered. The best home remedies for stomach flu are time, rest, and drinking fluids, once your body can keep them down.
What are the first signs of stomach flu?
What are the signs and symptoms of stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
- The primary symptom of viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is diarrhea (non-bloody).
- Nausea, vomiting, and some abdominal cramping may accompany the diarrhea.
- Mild fever (about 100 F or 37.77 C), chills, headache, and muscle aches along with feeling tired may occur in some individuals with viral gastroenteritis.
- Vomiting is occasional.
Is the stomach flu contagious?
Stomach flu is highly contagious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person with the norovirus is most contagious when they have symptoms of the illness, such as vomiting, and during the first few days after they have recovered.
How long does it take for stomach flu to go away?
Stomach flu (viral enteritis) is an infection in the intestines. It has an incubation period of 1 to 3 days, during which no symptoms occur. Once symptoms appear, they usually last for 1 to 2 days, although symptoms may linger for as long as 10 days. This can be especially true for older people.
What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach bug?
Lifestyle and home remediesLet your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water often. ... Ease back into eating. ... Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. ... Get plenty of rest. ... Try anti-diarrhea medications.
Should you starve a stomach bug?
How is it treated? The most important thing to do is to rest the stomach and intestine. You can do this by not eating solid food for a while and drinking only clear liquids. As your symptoms go away, you can start eating soft bland foods that are easy to digest.
Why is stomach bug worse at night?
In some people, the stomach flu symptoms may be more pronounced at night due to their circadian rhythm. At night an increase in immune system activity releases infection-fighting chemicals. These can cause inflammation that make you feel worse as you battle your flu.
What to do if you have the stomach flu?
If someone in their household has the stomach flu, they should clean all surfaces thoroughly and wash any towels, bedding, and other materials that the person uses . Last medically reviewed on October 8, 2020. GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology. Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses.
How to help a toddler with stomach flu?
Parents and caregivers can try the following to help speed up recovery in infants or children with the stomach flu: continuing formula feeding or breastfeeding the infant as long as they can keep it down. starting solid foods slowly with easy-to-digest foods. avoiding giving too much water to older children.
What is the most common cause of stomach flu?
Norovirus: This virus is the most common cause in adults. Rotavirus: This type of infection tends to affect infants aged 3–15 months. Adenovirus: Adenoviruses affect children under 2 years of age. Despite its name, none of the viruses that cause the stomach flu are related to influenza.
How long does it take for rotavirus to show symptoms?
Rotavirus can cause fever, stomach pain, vomiting, and severe, watery diarrhea. A person normally develops symptoms about 2 days after exposure to the virus.
How long does it take for a virus to become transmissible?
The CDC say that the virus becomes transmissible from the day a person starts feeling symptoms to a few days after the symptoms ease.
How many stomach flu cases are there in the US?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)#N#Trusted Source#N#, norovirus is the most common cause of stomach flu, causing 19–21 million cases in the United States each year.
How long does it take for adenovirus to heal?
Adults and children who are otherwise in good health take about 5–7 days to recover from the viral infection.
How long does stomach bug last?
Depending on the cause, a so-called stomach bug could persist for up to 10 days.
How long does vomiting last?
Vomiting usually lasts 24 hours; diarrhea may continue for several days. Flu. Also known as seasonal influenza. Upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. Spreads by dissemination of virus in droplets spewed into air when an infected person sneezes or coughs; particles can travel as far as six feet.
What causes stomach flu?
The most common causes of stomach flu include: 1 Viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus are known to cause viral gastroenteritis. These represent around 70% of stomach flu in children (most especially the rotavirus), while the norovirus represents around 60% of all cases in the United States. 3 The viruses are extremely contagious and easily passed from person to person or indirectly through contaminated food and water. 2 Bacterial causes include Campylobacter jejuni , Escherichia coli , Salmonella, Shigella, and Clostridium difficile . Bacteria-associated gastroenteritis is primarily related to something you ate. Of the possible bacterial causes, Campylobacter strains account for around one-third of all cases. 4 Many of these infections are transmitted through contaminated poultry or other tainted foods, including meat, produce, and dairy products. 3 Parasites are less common causes of gastroenteritis but still account for around 3% of all cases in children. The primary culprit is Giardia lamblia which is spread through contaminated food, water or by the fecal-oral route (poor hygiene). 5
What causes gastroenteritis?
Unlike influenza, gastroenteritis can be caused by any number of disease-causing pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, 1 and even fungi . It is commonly associated with the rotavirus in children and either the norovirus or the Campylobacter bacteria in adults. 2 Here's a brief look at the main differences between stomach flu ...
What is the flu that hits hard?
In general stomach flu appears suddenly, hits hard, then gets better once the symptoms subside.
How is gastroenteritis transmitted?
While many types of viral illnesses such as influenza and the common cold tend to be transmitted in the air, gastroenteritis tends to be transmitted by contaminated food and water or from person-to-person by contact.
What is the stomach bug?
When describing a stomach bug, the word "flu" is a bit of misnomer. In purely medical terms, the flu ( influenza) is a common viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system and manifests with symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, and congestion.
How long does it take for gastroenteritis to show up?
Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within one to three days after you're infected and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may persist as long as 10 days.
What is the main complication of viral gastroenteritis?
The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration — a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals. If you're healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn't be a problem.
How do you get viral gastroenteritis?
The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu —is through contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water. If you're otherwise healthy, you'll likely recover without complications. But for infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems, ...
What is the name of the infection that causes diarrhea, vomiting, and diarrhea?
Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu —is through contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water. If you're otherwise healthy, you'll likely ...
How to prevent gastroenteritis in children?
Given to children in the first year of life, the vaccine appears to be effective in preventing severe symptoms of this illness. Wash your hands thoroughly .
What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms, such as: Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection. Abdominal cramps and pain. Nausea, vomiting or both. Occasional muscle aches or headache.
How long can you keep liquids down?
You're not able to keep liquids down for 24 hours. You've been vomiting for more than two days. You're vomiting blood. You're dehydrated — signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine or little or no urine, and severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness.
How long does it take for stomach flu to go away?
However, this can depend on the specific virus. A case of the stomach flu typically resolves in less than a week. Infections in those with higher risk may last longer. Generally speaking, the virus is most likely to spread from the time your symptoms first appear until several days after your symptoms have gone away.
What is the stomach flu?
Stomach flu is a viral infection of your intestines. The medical name for stomach flu is viral gastroenteritis. Common symptoms include: loose, watery diarrhea. abdominal cramping. nausea. vomiting. Contrary to its name, the stomach flu isn’t caused by the same virus that causes the flu. In fact, there are several different types ...
What is the most accurate term for stomach flu?
The bottom line. The more accurate term for the stomach flu is viral gastroenteritis because it’s not related to the influenza viruses that cause the respiratory illnesses we see in fall and winter. There are several types of viruses that can cause viral gastroenteritis. The most common of these is norovirus.
How do you know if you have the stomach flu?
Although the stomach flu usually improves with self-care, it’s important to get medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms: signs of severe dehydration, such as extreme thirst, passing small amounts of urine, and dizziness. bloody diarrhea.
What are some examples of stomach flu?
Some examples of this include: cruise ships. restaurants, buffets, or banquets. care facilities like daycare centers and nursing homes. college campuses.
How to help a child with diarrhea?
Talk to your child’s pediatrician about appropriate OTC medications for symptoms. Try bland foods. If your stomach is feeling unsettled, try to eat small amounts of bland foods such as rice, crackers, or toast. Avoid foods that make symptoms worse. Some foods can make your diarrhea worse.
How long does it take for a virus to show up?
Typically, it takes a few days after exposure for symptoms to appear. However, this can depend on the specific virus.
How long does it take for stomach flu to spread?
A person can also catch it after coming into contact with contaminated water or food. Symptoms can pass within 3 days. Stomach flu is one of several ways to refer to viral gastroenteritis. Several viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis.
What are the symptoms of stomach flu?
According to the NIDDK, stomach flu can cause symptoms such as: vomiting. watery diarrhea.
What is the most common viral gastroenteritis?
According to one article. , the most common virus in the United States to cause viral gastroenteritis is currently the norovirus. This accounts for 19–21 million cases per year.
How long can you be contagious after a norovirus?
However, they also state that a person can be contagious for up to 2 weeks following the infection. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) state that the norovirus can live on surfaces such as countertops for months.
How long does rotavirus last?
Rotavirus: Symptoms of this virus can last between 3 and 8 days. However, it is less common in the U.S. due to vaccinations.
What to do if your child is vomiting but doesn't stop vomiting?
If the vomiting does not stop but does not increase significantly, the parent or caregiver should try to give the child clear liquids. They should not rush trying to give the child heavier foods.
What happens if another virus is responsible for the infection?
If another virus is responsible for the infection, it may not clear up as quickly.
What is the stomach flu?
The stomach flu (gastroenteritis) refers to variety infections that occur in the GI (gastrointestinal tract). The stomach flu is caused by viruses (for example, Norovirus or "Cruise Ship Virus), bacteria (for example, Salmonella and E. coli), parasites (for example, Giardiasis or Giardia lamblia), medications like antibiotics, food allergies, and toxins. Common symptoms of the stomach flu include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Generally, the stomach flu is treated at home by treating symptoms with home remedies and OTC medication.
Where is the stomach located?
The stomach is a muscular sac located on the left side of the upper abdomen. See a picture of the Stomach and learn more about...
Is stomach flu contagious?
Stomach flu symptoms need treatment if vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration are severe. Stomach flu is contagious and some cases...
Is the stomach flu the same as food poisoning?
The stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis) and food poisoning are not the same infections. However, they do have a few similar symptoms, for example: Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Fever Abdominal (stomach) pain and cramping. Symptoms and signs of food poisoning show up earlier (2 hours up to a couple of days) in comparison to the stomach flu in which symptoms may take 4 hours up to 48 hours (2 days) before symptoms begin. Medical treatment for the stomach flu and food poisoning generally is not necessary. A bland diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and rest may be the only treatment necessary.
How to treat stomach flu?
The medical treatment for stomach flu is based on maintaining adequate hydration and body sodium-potassium levels. The treatment for stomach flu initially consists of self-care measures such as drinking fluids, replacing lost electrolytes, resting, eating a bland diet and seeking medical attention if you need to.
What are the symptoms of stomach flu?
The most common signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The most common cause of gastroenteritis in ...
How long does diarrhea last?
Diarrhea may persist longer, for up to 10 days, after the disappearance of other symptoms. Even if you are feeling better and even if your symptoms subside, you can be still contagious from a few days up to two weeks or more, depending on which virus caused your stomach flu. Because the symptoms are similar, viral diarrhea can be easily confused ...
Is the stomach flu a virus?
Stomach flu is not a flu, but it is a virus. Stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a virus that infects your stomach. Although the term has flu in it, it is not a true flu. You may experience the following symptoms. Watery diarrhea. Abdominal cramps / pain. Nausea.
Where is the stomach located?
The stomach is a muscular sac located on the left side of the upper abdomen. See a picture of the Stomach and learn more about the health topic.
Is the stomach flu the same as food poisoning?
The stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis) and food poisoning are not the same infections. However, they do have a few similar symptoms, for example:
Overview
Symptoms
- Although it's commonly called stomach flu, gastroenteritis isn't the same as influenza. The flu (influenza) affects only your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms such as: 1. Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infectio…
Causes
- You're most likely to get viral gastroenteritis when you eat or drink contaminated food or water. You may also be likely to get gastroenteritis if you share utensils, towels or food with someone who has one of the viruses that cause the condition. Many viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including: 1. Noroviruses. Both children and adults are affected by noroviruses, the most commo…
Risk Factors
- Gastroenteritis occurs all over the world and can affect people of all ages. People who may be more susceptible to gastroenteritis include: 1. Young children.Children in child care centers or elementary schools may be especially vulnerable because it takes time for a child's immune system to mature. 2. Older adults.Adult immune systems tend to become less efficient later in li…
Complications
- The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration — a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals. If you're healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn't be a problem. Infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may become severely dehydrated when they lose more fluids than t…
Prevention
- The best way to prevent the spread of intestinal infections is to follow these precautions: 1. Get your child vaccinated.A vaccine against gastroenteritis caused by the rotavirus is available in some countries, including the United States. Given to children in the first year of life, the vaccine appears to be effective in preventing severe symptoms of this illness. 2. Wash your hands thoro…