Stomach flu causes stages and quick treatment

"Have you ever experienced sudden stomach pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting? These could be symptoms of stomach flu, a common viral infection that affects the digestive system and causes significant discomfort. Although most cases are mild and resolve on their own, the bothersome symptoms can impact your daily life. we will explore the causes of stomach flu, the stages of the illness, and the best treatment methods that can help you recover quickly and alleviate symptoms. If you want to learn more about this annoying infection and ways to prevent it, keep reading."

What is Stomach Flu?

Stomach flu is a viral infection that affects the digestive system, including the stomach and intestines. It is also known as viral gastroenteritis. This infection causes inflammation in the digestive system and leads to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Sometimes, it is also referred to as "stomach upset" because of its impact on the digestive system.

Why is it called Stomach Flu?

Although stomach flu has nothing to do with the respiratory flu, it is named this way because its symptoms resemble those of the flu. The flu affects the respiratory system, while stomach flu impacts the digestive system. The reason for the name is that both illnesses tend to spread during the same season, leading people to use the term "flu" for any disease with flu-like symptoms.

How long does stomach flu last?

Typically, stomach flu lasts for about two to three days, but in severe cases, it can last up to a week or more. People with weakened immune systems may take longer to recover.

Is stomach flu contagious?

Yes, stomach flu is highly contagious. It’s best to avoid contact with others when you’re infected. If you live with other people, make sure to wash your hands frequently and disinfect commonly touched surfaces, especially in the bathroom.

How long is stomach flu contagious?

Stomach flu is most contagious during the acute phase of the illness, when symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea are present. The infection remains contagious for a few days after symptoms begin. However, you can remain contagious for up to two weeks after recovery, even if the symptoms have disappeared.

How does stomach flu spread?

Stomach flu is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route. The virus is present in the vomit and stool of infected individuals. The virus can linger on hands or contaminated surfaces and may be transferred to food or water. If you touch a contaminated person or surface and then touch your mouth, you can become infected.

Who gets stomach flu?

Anyone can get stomach flu, but certain groups are more susceptible to infection, including:

People with weakened immune systems due to chronic diseases or immune-suppressing medications.
Infants and the elderly are also more likely to suffer severe infection.

How common is stomach flu?

Stomach flu is a very common infection worldwide, though it's difficult to determine the exact number of people who get it annually. The most common cause of stomach flu is norovirus, which is estimated to infect around 685 million people each year.

Causes of Stomach Flu

Viruses that cause Stomach Flu:

Norovirus:
- Most common cause of stomach flu, norovirus spreads rapidly in crowded places like schools, hospitals, and cruise ships.
- Symptoms: Severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and mild fever.
Rotavirus:
- Previously the leading cause of stomach flu in children before the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine.
- Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration.
Adenovirus:
- Causes stomach flu-like symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Coronavirus:
- Some strains of coronavirus can cause stomach flu symptoms, including diarrhea and nausea, along with respiratory symptoms.
Torovirus:
- Causes gastroenteritis with symptoms similar to stomach flu, such as diarrhea and nausea.

Ways Viruses Spread:

Direct Contact with an Infected Person: The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person or via contaminated surfaces like door handles or household items.
Contaminated Food and Water: Infection can be transmitted by consuming contaminated food or drinks, either from improperly prepared food or when handled by an infected person.
Airborne Transmission: Some viruses, like norovirus, can spread through the air in enclosed or crowded spaces.
Contaminated Surfaces: Viruses can remain on surfaces for hours or even days, increasing the risk of infection if the surfaces are touched and then the mouth or nose is touched.

Weakened Immune System:

People with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease, are more susceptible to stomach flu.
Infants and adolescents are also at higher risk of contracting the virus.

Crowded or Closed Environments:

Crowded places or enclosed areas like schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and cruise ships are ideal environments for the spread of the viruses causing stomach flu.
You are at greater risk if you are close to an infected person or in a place where many people gather.

Poor Personal Hygiene:

Irregular handwashing or not using hand sanitizer after using the bathroom or eating increases the likelihood of viral transmission to the digestive system.
Eating food without ensuring your hands or the food are clean can be a major cause of infection.

Changes in Diet or Habits:

Eating contaminated or spoiled food can lead to stomach flu.
Raw or undercooked foods, such as sushi or improperly cooked meat, may carry viruses.
Contaminated water can be a source of infection, especially in areas lacking clean drinking water.

Exposure to Chemicals or Toxins:

In some cases, food poisoning or chemical contamination may cause symptoms similar to stomach flu, such as gastrointestinal distress due to bacteria or chemicals in food.

Travel to Contaminated Areas:

Traveling to areas with poor sanitation or regions facing water supply or food contamination problems increases the risk of contracting stomach flu.

Types of Stomach Flu

Stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is a disease caused by viral infections affecting the digestive system. This infection can be caused by several types of viruses, each with different characteristics and symptoms. Here are some of the most common viruses that cause stomach flu:

1. Norovirus

Most common cause: Norovirus is one of the most widespread viruses that causes viral gastroenteritis.
Symptoms: Severe nausea, frequent vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and mild fever.
Duration: Symptoms typically begin suddenly and last for 24 to 48 hours.
Transmission: Spread via contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person.
Severity: Causes severe but short-term illness, and is especially prevalent in crowded places like schools, cruise ships, and nursing homes.

2. Rotavirus

Most common in children: Before the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine, it was the leading cause of stomach flu in children.
Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and loss of appetite.
Duration: Symptoms may last from 3 to 8 days.
Transmission: Spread through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person.
Vaccination: A vaccine for rotavirus is available in many countries, significantly reducing the risk of infection.

3. Adenovirus

Symptoms: Can cause viral gastroenteritis with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever.
Duration: Symptoms can last from one week to two weeks.
Transmission: Spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or direct contact with an infected person.
Severity: Generally less severe than norovirus but can still cause significant problems, especially in children.

4. Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Recent Infections: Some strains of coronavirus, such as COVID-19, can cause symptoms similar to stomach flu.
Symptoms: These include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, as well as respiratory symptoms like coughing and fever.
Duration of Infection: The duration of symptoms can vary, but digestive symptoms are usually less pronounced compared to respiratory symptoms.
Transmission: The virus spreads through respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces, and it is more easily transmitted in enclosed spaces.

5. Torovirus

Symptoms: This virus causes symptoms similar to stomach flu, such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Duration of Infection: Symptoms typically last from 1 to 3 days.
Transmission: The virus spreads through contaminated food or water.

6. Hepatitis A Virus

Cause: Hepatitis A can cause symptoms similar to stomach flu, especially in the early stages.
Symptoms: These include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Duration of Infection: Symptoms can last from several weeks to months in some cases.
Transmission: The virus is spread through contaminated food or water, or by contact with an infected person.

7. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Symptoms: CMV can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, but the symptoms are usually milder.
Duration of Infection: Symptoms may persist for a long time in rare cases.
Transmission: The virus is spread through body fluids such as blood and saliva.

Stages of Stomach Flu

Stomach flu progresses in several stages, from infection to recovery. Here's a breakdown:

1. Early Infection Stage (Days 1-2)

Exposure to Virus: Infection typically starts after exposure to the virus through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person.
Onset of Symptoms: Symptoms appear suddenly and may include:
- Nausea
- Mild abdominal pain or cramps
- A feeling of heaviness in the stomach
- Sometimes, a low-grade fever (up to 38°C)
- General fatigue
Timeframe: Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus.

2. Acute Symptom Stage (Days 2-3)

Worsening Symptoms: As time progresses, symptoms intensify and become more severe:
- Watery Diarrhea: Diarrhea becomes frequent and watery.
- Vomiting: Frequent vomiting occurs, especially during the early days.
- Severe Abdominal Pain: Cramps become more intense, often affecting the upper abdomen.
- Fever: Temperature may rise to 38°C or higher.
- Headaches and Extreme Fatigue: Exhaustion and headaches may arise due to fever or dehydration.
Duration of Acute Symptoms: Acute symptoms typically last for 2 to 3 days.

3. Recovery and Gradual Improvement Stage (Days 3-5)

Gradual Improvement: Symptoms begin to ease:
- Less Diarrhea: The frequency of diarrhea decreases, and stool starts to return to normal.
- Decreased Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting lessen.
- Improved Energy Levels: A general sense of well-being starts to return.
- Fever Subsides: Body temperature returns to normal.
Mild Symptoms May Persist: Some fatigue may remain, but overall health is improving.

4. Full Recovery Stage (Days 5-7)

Return to Normal Activity: By day seven, full recovery is typically achieved.
Loss of Appetite: It may take some time to regain full appetite, but food intake should resume gradually.
Psychological and Physical Impact: Although a noticeable improvement occurs, some individuals may feel weak or tired for a while after the main symptoms subside.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

It’s important to seek medical advice if:

Symptoms persist for more than 3 days.
Severe symptoms occur, such as:
- Bloody diarrhea.
- Persistent vomiting making it difficult to keep fluids down.
- High fever (above 39°C).
- Signs of dehydration such as reduced urination, dry mouth, and dizziness.

Stomach Flu Treatment with Medication

Antidiarrheal Medications
- Loperamide: Used to reduce severe diarrhea by decreasing bowel movement frequency.
  - Note: Should not be used if diarrhea is accompanied by blood or fever, as it may worsen the infection.
- Bismuth Subsalicylate: Helps reduce diarrhea and nausea, and soothes stomach irritation.
  - Example: Pepto-Bismol or Pepsodent.
Anti-nausea and Vomiting Medications
- Dimenhydrinate or Meclizine: Antihistamines used to relieve nausea and vomiting.
- Ondansetron: Used in severe cases to reduce continuous vomiting.
Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)
- ORS is essential for severe diarrhea and vomiting. These solutions replace lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.
- Available in pharmacies or can be prepared at home with water, sugar, and salt, according to WHO guidelines.
Pain Relievers
- Paracetamol: To relieve pain and fever.
  - Note: Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin, especially if nausea or vomiting is present, as these medications may irritate the stomach.
Antacids
- In some cases, antacids like Omeprazole or Ranitidine can help reduce stomach acidity and ease discomfort.
Antibiotics
- Important Note: Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and should not be used for stomach flu unless there's a secondary bacterial infection or food poisoning.

When Might Surgery Be Needed for Stomach Flu?

Although stomach flu is typically treated with medication and self-care, in rare cases, surgery may be required due to complications:

Severe Dehydration
- If dehydration is severe and cannot be treated with oral fluids, intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary.
- Surgery is not the primary treatment, but intensive care may be required in the hospital.
Tearing of the Intestines or Digestive Tissues
- In very rare cases, severe irritation from the virus or secondary bacterial infections may lead to a tear in the intestines or peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining).
- This is an emergency situation that may require surgery to repair the damaged tissue.
Food Poisoning or Bacterial Infection
- If food poisoning or bacterial infections like Salmonella or E. coli cause severe intestinal inflammation, surgery may be needed to remove damaged tissue or treat the infection.
Intestinal Obstruction
- In rare instances, inflammation in the intestines may cause a blockage, resulting in bloating and fluid buildup.
- Surgery may be necessary to relieve the obstruction if other treatments do not work.
Difficult-to-Diagnose Cases
- Sometimes, symptoms are unclear, or the condition persists without improvement. In such cases, doctors may perform detailed tests and in some instances, surgery or procedures like endoscopy may be required.

Exercises to Speed Up Recovery from Stomach Flu

Once symptoms begin to improve, gentle exercises can help promote recovery and enhance blood circulation. Here are some activities to consider:

Deep Breathing Exercises
- Purpose: Calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve circulation.
- How to Perform:
  - Sit in a quiet space.
  - Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds.
  - Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
  - Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds.
  - Repeat 5-10 times.
Gentle Walking
- Purpose: Improve circulation and digestion.
- How to Perform:
  - Walk slowly for 5-10 minutes.
  - Avoid crowded places or exposure to direct sunlight.
Muscle Relaxation Exercises
- Purpose: Relax muscles and improve circulation.
- How to Perform:
  - Lie on your back.
  - Tense muscles for 5-10 seconds, then relax completely.
  - Repeat with different muscle groups like legs, abdomen, arms, shoulders, and neck.
Gentle Stretching
- Purpose: Improve muscle flexibility and relieve back pain.
- How to Perform:
  - Sit and stretch your legs forward, trying to touch your feet.
  - Hold the stretch for 15-20 seconds.
Basic Pilates
- Purpose: Strengthen the body and improve balance.
- How to Perform:
  - Begin with simple movements like lifting your legs or moving your arms.
Light Yoga
- Purpose: Strengthen the body, improve digestion, and reduce stress.
- How to Perform:
  - Try poses like Child’s Pose or Bridge Pose to improve circulation and relax your body.

Tips Before Starting Exercises During Recovery from Stomach Flu

Rest First: If you're feeling very tired or still experiencing symptoms like nausea or vomiting, take a rest before attempting exercises.
Stay Hydrated: Ensure you're drinking enough fluids before and during your exercises to avoid dehydration.
Start Slowly: Avoid intense or strenuous exercise right away. Begin with light activities and gradually increase intensity as you feel better.
Listen to Your Body: If you experience any discomfort or fatigue during exercise, stop immediately and rest.
Consult a Doctor: If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.

What to Eat When You Have Stomach Flu?

During stomach flu, choosing the right foods is essential for recovery. Here are some dietary tips suited for each stage of the infection:

1. Stage 1: When You Have Nausea and Vomiting

Stick to liquid and light foods:
- Beverages: Water, Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), herbal teas like ginger or peppermint tea to calm the stomach.
- Soups: Broth-based soups like chicken or beef broth to replenish fluids.
Light Foods:
- Bananas: Easy to digest and rich in potassium, which may be lost due to diarrhea.
- White Rice: Soothes the stomach.
- Plain Toast or Crackers: Helps settle the stomach.
- Applesauce: Contains fiber that aids digestion and is gentle on the stomach.

2. Stage 2: After Vomiting Stops and Symptoms Improve

You can add light, nutritious foods:
- Starchy Foods: White rice, white pasta, mashed potatoes (without butter or spices), and oats.
- Lean Proteins: Boiled or grilled chicken (skinless), scrambled eggs, or tofu.
- Cooked Vegetables: Soft carrots, sweet potatoes, and zucchini.

3. Stage 3: Returning to Regular Diet

As you start feeling better, slowly reintroduce more foods, but avoid heavy or hard-to-digest foods:
- Avoid greasy, spicy, or fatty foods, such as fried potatoes and full-fat dairy products.
- Avoid raw, high-fiber foods like apples with skin, as they can worsen diarrhea.
- Steer clear of carbonated drinks, coffee, and sugary foods, as they can exacerbate dehydration and upset your stomach.