Stomach flu (gastroenteritis) facts
Acute gastroenteritis lasts about seven to 14 days while chronic may last for months or longer.
- The stomach flu (gastroenteritis) is a nonspecific term for various inflammatory problems in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- Gastroenteritis may be of short duration (acute viral) or for many months (chronic gastroenteritis, such as that caused by food allergies).
- Signs and symptoms of stomach flu depend on the cause.
- The most frequent signs and symptoms of viral stomach flu include
- Signs and symptoms of bacterial stomach flu include
- Food allergies may produce eosinophilic gastroenteritis, a sign of which is increased eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) seen in the blood.
- Children with the stomach flu or gastroenteritis have similar symptoms to adults, but also may have symptoms such as refusing to drink or being very thirsty.
- The main way contagious causes of the stomach flu are spread is person to person via the fecal-oral route. Individuals at most risk of catching the stomach flu are those in close association with an infant, child, or an adult that has a viral or bacterial cause of stomach flu .
- Contagious gastroenteritis is spread or transmitted usually by the fecal – oral route or by eating or drinking contaminated foods.
- Non-contagious causes of gastroenteritis include food allergies, parasites, drugs, toxins, or the side effects of medications.
- The most common causes of gastroenteritis are infectious, mainly viral (for example, Norovirus, Rotavirus and many others). The large majority of causes gastroenteritis disease (mainly viral and bacterial) are contagious.
- Bacterial causes of gastroenteritis include Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, and others.
- Stomach flu is diagnosed in most cases without specific tests, however, tests can help define the underlying cause.
- Home remedies may reduce symptoms of stomach flu, including diet changes.
- Most people with viral or mild bacterial gastroenteritis require no treatment. Some individuals may require symptom reduction with medications but more serious bacterial infections may require antibiotic therapy.
- Some doctors recommend the "BRAT" (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet to people recovering from stomach flu.
- Notify medical personnel if you have the stomach flu for more than five days, or if dehydration, bloodied diarrhea, constant abdominal pain, or high fever develops.
- The major complication of gastroenteritis is dehydration.
- Stomach flu often can be prevented by hand washing, not eating undercooked food or drinking contaminated water, and avoiding direct contact with individuals with the disease. Some specific types of gastroenteritis can be reduced or prevented by vaccine (for example, vaccine against cholera-causing bacteria).
13 Home Remedies for the Stomach Flu
- Probiotics: Lactobacillus casei GG and S boulardii
may be helpful in some cases of viral gastroenteritis, and can help with
watery diarrhea. Yogurt often contains these probiotics. - Zinc supplements may reduce the severity and duration of stomach flu.
- Cinnamon and turmeric are reported to help relieve stomach flu
symptoms
More home remedies to soothe the stomach flu »
What is the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
Gastroenteritis is a nonspecific term for various inflammatory problems in the gastrointestinal tract with the most common symptoms and signs being diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pains. Gastroenteritis is often referred to as the "stomach flu," however, it is not related to the influenza virus.
In the U.S., less than 2% of the estimated 100 million people with stomach flu symptoms per year ever require hospitalization, but in developing countries it is a leading cause of death, mainly due to dehydration.
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What are the signs and symptoms of stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
The signs and symptoms of stomach flu may vary depending upon the cause.
- 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.
- Symptoms usually last about two to five days and then begin to resolve with viral gastroenteritis.
- Bacterial gastroenteritis (stomach flu) shares many of the symptoms as viral stomach flu, but in some individuals, bacteria may cause bloody diarrhea (hemorrhagic gastroenteritis).
Symptoms may occur in some individuals with either viral or bacterial stomach flu. Symptoms also may be seen with other causes of stomach flu (drugs, food allergies, toxins), for example:
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Muscle aches and pains
- Headache
- Eosinophilia (mainly in allergic gastroenteritis)
- Electrolyte loss
- Severe gastroenteritis means the person has signs of dehydration; this is a medical emergency.
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What are the signs and symptoms of stomach flu (gastroenteritis) in children?
Children with gastroenteritis or stomach flu usually have diarrhea, but may have other symptoms, for example:
- Diarrhea
- Refusing to eat or drink or are very thirsty
- Either increased or low or no urine output
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Bloody diarrhea
- Pinched skin that does not rapidly go back to normal is a sign of dehydration, along with decreased fluid intake.
How is the stomach flu (gastroenteritis) spread?
Most viral and bacterial causes of the stomach flu can be transfer to other people by direct and indirect contact, usually by the fecal-oral route.
- Direct contact could involve an infant's hand touching feces-contaminated surfaces and then touching a sibling or relative; indirect contact would be like touching a door knob or railing on a cruise ship or in a dorm that is contaminated and the person touches the contaminated surface and transfers the agent by touching their mouth.
- Another common way to get stomach flu is drinking or eating contaminated foods and liquids.
What causes the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
Bacteria and viruses — infectious agents — (the most common cause) are the most frequent causes of gastroenteritis in the U.S. and worldwide. Infections cause diarrhea and other symptoms by causing inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tissue. The infections increase the fluid content in the intestines and colon by changing the gastrointestinal tract's ability to absorb water and by increasing the speed of transit (motility) for things you ingest. This, in turn, causes diarrhea. Infectious agents may physically damage intestinal cells directly or indirectly with secreted toxins.
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What are the most common causes of the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
Viral causes of stomach flu
The most prevalent cause of gastroenteritis in the U.S. and the world is Norovirus. It causes about 50%-70% of viral gastroenteritis cases, while Rotavirus, Astrovirus, Adenovirus, and Sapovirus strains cause most of the other viral gastroenteritis infections. Norovirus also was listed as the leading cause of gastroenteritis in children under 5 years old according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Bacterial causes of stomach flu
Bacterial causes of gastroenteritis that occur worldwide are Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter Aeromonas, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains of bacteria. Other bacteria like Clostridium, Vibrio, Campylobacter, and Yersinia spp can cause outbreaks occasionally. Occasionally, some bacterial causes of gastroenteritis (for example, Salmonella and , certain E. coli strains) may produce hemorrhagic or bloody diarrhea.
Parasitic causes of stomach flu
Parasites such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba infections can cause gastroenteritis and occasionally, other parasites have outbreaks such as the Cyclospora outbreak that occurred in 2012 to 2013 in the U.S.
Other causes of stomach flu
There are many other less frequent causes of gastroenteritis such as food allergies (eosinophilic gastroenteritis), antibiotics, and toxins. Gastroenteritis symptoms are frequently listed as possible side effects of many medicines.
How does food become contaminated with gastroenteritis-causing bacteria or viruses?
In most instances, food and drinks come into contact with feces contaminated with the infecting agent. This can happen in the fields, or in transport, storage, and processing of food and drinks. In processed foods and drinks, this contamination is relatively rare, but when it occurs, an outbreak of the disease is often traced back to faulty equipment, human errors in the processing and/or a breakdown of quality-control procedures.
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Is the stomach flu (gastroenteritis) contagious?
- The large majority of causes (viral and bacterial) of gastroenteritis are contagious, usually through food or water contamination. In addition, they can be transferred person to person.
- Exposures to body fluids (for example, feces or droplets containing infectious agents) are common sources that transmit the disease to others (See transmission section).
- A few causes of gastroenteritis are not contagious, for example, food allergies or the side effects of medications.
Who gets the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is a common, worldwide disease and almost everyone suffers from it a few times in their life because it is almost impossible to avoid contact with some of the viral and bacterial causes.
- People living in crowded conditions (military, cruise ships, dorms) are at higher risk, as are people living in developing countries who often have a diet that contains contaminated food or water.
- Infants, children, and some adults (elderly, immunosuppressed) are at higher risk because of immature or depressed immune systems and also because they can become dehydrated faster than older children and adults.
- Some people taking antibiotics are at higher risk because the antibiotics depress the normal GI microbes and allow bacteria or viruses like Clostridium difficile to predominate and cause disease.
- People who do not practice good hygiene and hand washing techniques are at higher risk, as are those who eat under cooked and/or unwashed foods or drink from potentially contaminated fluid sources (rivers, streams, unpasteurized milk, for example).
When should you call a doctor for the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
If gastroenteritis symptoms last more than about five days, increase in severity (fever of 101 F or 38.33 C or higher), or a person develops bloody diarrhea, dehydration, constant abdominal pain or other symptoms see a physician. The patient may have some gastroenteritis symptoms but may have a disease more serious than self-limiting gastroenteritis. Signs and symptoms of dehydration may include decreased or no urine production, dry mucus membranes, dry mouth or skin, no tears, weakness, lightheadedness and low blood pressure, while children may show little or no urination, become lethargic, have skin that "tents up" when pinched. Signs of dehydration in anyone are good reasons to see a doctor immediately.
How do you know that you have the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
There are no specific tests for gastroenteritis, thus gastroenteritis is most often diagnosed by the symptoms it produces, mainly diarrhea. Because gastroenteritis is usually a self-limited disease, the large majority of people are never seen or diagnosed by a doctor. However, during outbreaks like those seen on cruise ships, viral and bacterial cultures or PCR and other immunologically based tests can eventually identify the causative pathogen. By the time this identification occurs, most of the individuals with gastroenteritis have begun to recover.
When gastroenteritis symptoms become severe, most public health officials and health care professionals run such tests to identify the causative agent of a specific disease, based on all of the history of the patients, physical exams, and symptoms. In addition, patients with similar histories of recent food or drink they had in common with others often helps to discover the source of the disease (for example, people who got diarrhea had salads from the same food source).
Are the stomach flu (gastroenteritis) and food poisoning the same condition?
Although the stomach flu and food poisoning share some common symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps, muscle aches, for example, they are not exactly the same condition.
- Stomach flu or gastroenteritis means any nonspecific inflammatory problem in the gastrointestinal tract; some doctors consider the stomach flu to be more narrowly defined as a viral infection that attacks the digestive system.
- Food poisoning specifically is caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or fluid that contains bacteria, viruses, parasites and/or their toxins they produce.
Consequently, there is some crossover between the two terms.
In addition:
- Food poisoning usually is found in small outbreaks that occur among individuals that have ingested the same foods or drink, and symptoms occur rapidly within hours; whereas the stomach flu has a more gradual onset of symptoms and usually lasts longer than food poisoning.
- Stomach flu is highly contagious and can be spread quickly to other individuals; whereas food poisoning usually requires ingesting the poison and does not easily spread to other individuals.
Are the stomach flu (gastroenteritis) and the flu (influenza) the same infection?
Although both the stomach flu and the flu (influenza) may be caused by viruses, the viral genus and species are different for each entity.
- The viruses that cause the majority of stomach flu (gastroenteritis) are Norovirus spp; whereas the viruses that cause influenza are mainly Influenza A and B viral spp and subtypes.
- Stomach flu results mainly in problems with the gastrointestinal tract while influenza (flu) involves the respiratory tract. These two problems are not the same thing.
What foods are recommended to eat (diet ) when you have the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
Some health care professionals suggest a special diet for the gastroenteritis, especially for viral and/or bacterial infections in children. First and foremost is adequate fluid rehydration to prevent dehydration.
The diet frequently suggested is termed the "BRAT" diet. This diet consists of foods that are not usually irritating but soothing for the gastrointestinal tract. The BRAT diet stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Although some doctors think this diet may not markedly benefit patients, others recommend it for both adults and children for a day or two to make the transition from the resolving symptoms of acute gastroenteritis to the patient's previously normal diet.
What natural and home remedies help soothe stomach flu (gastroenteritis)
symptoms?
There are many different natural and/or home remedies that may help reduce gastroenteritis symptoms:
- Home treatment consists of adequate fluid intake so dehydration is prevented
- Clear fluids are recommended (Pedialyte especially for young children, Gatorade, PowerAde and other sports drinks), but not fruit juices or milk as they may prolong the symptoms
- Salt
- Ginger
- Baking soda
- Apple cider vinegar
- Basil
- Chamomile tea
- Asafetida spice
- Zinc
- Cinnamon
- Mint
- Turmeric
- Yogurt
If dehydration occurs, the patient should be immediately evaluated by a doctor. Discuss home remedies with your physician before using them.
What is the treatment for the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
Most people with the stomach flu require no formal treatment. The key to a rapid and safe recovery at home (home remedy) is proper hydration. If dehydration occurs, the patient should be evaluated by a doctor. Many health care professionals choose to begin IV fluids, the treatment of choice for rapid rehydration.
Other medications may be prescribed to reduce the symptoms of gastroenteritis. To reduce vomiting, promethazine (Phenergan), prochlorperazine (Compazine), or ondansetron (Zofran) are often used. Some physicians suggest using these agents only as a suppository or rapidly disintegrating tablet on the tongue since patients may vomit the pills up. Others may prescribe diphenoxylate and atropine (Lomotil) or lopermadine (Imodium) to slow diarrhea while others do not as the drugs may prolong the disease in some individuals. Many doctors recommend no medical treatment for gastroenteritis symptoms as all of the drugs have side effects and if the patient stays well hydrated, the symptoms usually stop soon anyway.
As the gastroenteritis symptoms abate, especially vomiting, doctors may recommend a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apples and toast) for a day or two before returning to the patient's regular diet. Potatoes, lean meat like chicken and whole grains can help replace nutrients and electrolytes lost with diarrhea.
Patients who have more serious symptoms or other symptoms in addition to gastroenteritis need to be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated by a physician because the patient will likely have a specific disease that will need treatment. The treatment will depend on the cause of the illness (for example, salmonellosis or Clostridium difficile toxin). Antibiotics and other treatments may not be recommended for some of these diseases so an accurate diagnosis of the disease is important. For Clostridium difficile infected patients, antibiotic sensitivity testing may need to be done to determine the most effective antibiotics to use.
How long does the stomach flu (gastroenteritis) last?
Depending upon the cause of gastroenteritis, it may be considered acute or chronic.
- Acute gastroenteritis (viral) lasts about seven to 14 days, and is then usually self-cured.
- Chronic gastroenteritis (for example, allergic gastroenteritis) may last for months or longer if not diagnosed and appropriately treated.
What are complications of the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
Most patients who get gastroenteritis have no complications and will completely recover. The major complication for some patients is dehydration; infants, children, the elderly and immunosuppressed are at higher risk for this complication. In many third world countries, hydration of infants is difficult at best so there are many infant deaths worldwide due to dehydration caused by gastroenteritis.
What is the prognosis for the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
The prognosis (outlook) for complete recovery is excellent in most people infected with viral and bacterial caused gastroenteritis, as long as the person keeps well hydrated. Because infants, children, pregnant women, and adults that are elderly or immunosuppressed, usually dehydrate faster than healthy adults and sometimes are more difficult to rehydrate orally, their prognosis can range from excellent to poor. Their prognosis depends on how dehydrated they become and how effective are the attempts to rehydrate the patient.
The prognosis for those patients that develop gastroenteritis symptoms as part of a specific disease process (for example, shigellosis) vary from good to poor, depending on the severity of the specific disease process.
Can you prevent from getting the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
There is no diet that will prevent gastroenteritis but food preparation plays a strong role in preventing gastroenteritis. In general, there are some actions people can do to prevent or reduce the chance of getting gastroenteritis, including:
- Hand washing, especially before eating and after any close association with an infected person or items (clothing, bedding, toys) they have touched
- Launder items daily that infected persons wear
- Avoid direct contact with infected individuals when possible
- Do not eat undercooked foods, especially meats
- Do not eat raw foods or drink untreated water
- Do not drink untreated or unpasteurized fluids, especially milk
- Thoroughly wash any produce, especially in third world countries, before eating
- While traveling, avoid all raw foods and ice; drink only from sealed bottled products and use bottled water for tooth brushing
There is a vaccine available against rotavirus that has reduced this infection in children. Also, there is a vaccine available against cholera-causing bacteria (Vibrio), but it is not widely available. A clinical trial of a Norovirus vaccine was done with some success. It is likely in the near future commercial vaccines against some causes will be available.
Which specialties of doctors treat the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)?
Most individuals with viral or mild bacterial caused gastroenteritis require no treatment or can be treated by the patient's primary care provider or pediatrician. For more patients with more severe gastroenteritis, such infectious disease specialists, gastroenterologists, emergency medicine specialists, allergists, critical care physicians, and hematologists may be consulted.