Stomach Flu- Viral Infection of the Gastrointestinal Tract

The flu which is known as stomach or intestine, attacks a family member, which in turn is easily transferred to others. Viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract that usually occurs in autumn and winter is mostly caused by rotavirus.

The Symptoms of stomach flu are visible in couple of days. The disease primarily affects children up to 3 years of age. The patient is infected before the onset of symptoms, during, and several days after it is disappeared. Stomach flu lasts from 1 to 9 days, but symptoms usually disappear after 2-4 days.

How to Reduce the Risk of Infection?

Rotavirus is usually spread by dirty hands or droplet. To reduce the risk of infection, wash your hands frequently and maintain hygiene as well. You can not drink raw, contaminated water and food must be prepared keeping in mind every aspect

Symptoms of Stomach Flu

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• abdominal pains
• nausea
• fever

Strong diarrhea can cause dehydration, which threatens the lives, especially of children and their elder counterparts.

How to Treat?

You must contact your GP to rule out bacterial infection or other diseases.

You should first of all drink water, tea and avoid milk, coffee and juices (after resolution of symptoms can be incorporated into the diet juice diluted with water). Sometimes you may need enteral or intravenous hydration by using drips in a hospital setting.

Also known as stomach flu, intestinal flu, is caused by viruses (rotavirus). It can be mild, characterized by weakness and slight abdominal pain, but most often it occurs in the acute form. Then, it is accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain and general weakness. Especially dangerous is for children between 6 months and 3 years old.

Intestinal flu can be caught by droplet, and through coming in contact with an infected person and by touching items previously used by that person. Also, infection can occur with no care for hygiene (dirty hands placed in the mouth, eyes, nose), by drinking water and being unprepared in niewietrzonych spaces and dirty toilets.

The first symptom of this unpleasant disease is fever. Later, as the virus spread in the body, symptoms, like severe food poisoning occur as well. There is acute, watery diarrhea, vomiting - even several times a day, and severe abdominal pain. Any change in position, causes nausea and abdominal pain piercing.

Ailments sickness lasts from 2 to 5 days and there is no possibility of mitigation. The only thing you can do is to wait until resolved.

Although this disease can also spread through food, it must be remembered that there is no dehydration. In the first hours of the intestinal flu should drink lukewarm, boiled water, bottled water or lightly sweetened, weak tea (such as mint, camomile). Over time, you can try to eat a small portion of rice gruel, boiled rice, Kaiser, cracker, cracker, or mashed with cooked carrots. On the third day you should start to make permanent, easily digestible meals. You can eat cooked, white meat, mashed potatoes, white cottage cheese.

Influenza is a highly contagious intestinal disease. Usually when a person becomes ill at home, then after a few hours, other people begin to get sick. Therefore it is important to respect several principles of hygiene. First, if you are a person working, then you should go on sick leave so as not to infect other employees. Secondly flat/ Office should be aired frequently to reduce the concentration of virus in the air. Thirdly, care must be taken about hygiene - wash hands often, using only his towel and thoroughly disinfect the toilet.

The course of intestinal flu may have different severity from individual to individual. If the acute course lasts for 3 days (and gaining in strength), you should see a doctor. Also, do not hesitate to visit a doctor if diarrhea is a child or elderly person.

The winter period, the prevailing low temperatures and unfavorable weather makes it very easy to trigger a variety of infections and disease quite particularly, the common cold and stomach flu. Za?apanie intestinal flu virus is very easy and can happen to anyone. In particular, this ailment can be difficult for young children and infants.

Viruses causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines contribute to acute watery diarrhea . If it is prolonged it can lead to dehydration, high fever, nausea and vomiting. Certainly it is easier and faster to prevent the flu than to treat it due to the fact that you can become infected by eating unwashed fruits and vegetables. It is very important to properly prepare before serving them on the table. In addition, stomach flu can spread by droplet, and therefore limit contact with someone with whom you suspect the flu.

In case of contracting this infection you should use a special diet that will not only strengthen the body, but also contribute to the weakening of any negative symptoms. It is, therefore, consumption of large quantities of clean, boiled water, tea rumiankowych, pastes of rice and dry bread. Avoid fatty foods, which also affect the stomach problems.

Unfortunately, there is no effective cure for stomach flu. The person who had contracted przem?czy? , need to wait for several hours. An alternative may also be vaccinated against specific rotawirusami, but it is a very big expense and provides effective protection only to infants and children.

Stomach flu, also known as intestinal flu, is nothing but a viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract. The main offender - rotavirus, multiplies in the intestinal epithelial cells and mucous membrane damage. The incubation period of viruses takes about 2 days. During this time, no typical symptoms of the disease, but can easily become infected.

How do You Catch?

Rotavirus moves mainly oral, but you can also become infected by droplet. Like when the patient sneezes, dirty fruit, or eat contaminated water we drink.

What is Revealed in Stomach Flu?

Stomach flu is synonymous with giving a hard time for small children. The onset time of rhinitis is manifested upper respiratory catarrh occurs and cough. Later joined by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The child gives watery stools up to 10 times a day. Symptoms accompanied by abdominal pain, weakness. Fever may occur.

In adults stomach flu may result in only acute diarrhea or vomiting. Unpleasant symptoms last for a week of time. But a month after infection in the faces may contain a virus.

How to Deal with the Stomach Flu?

Fighting stomach flu is mainly based on symptoms and prevention of serious consequences. Rules of conduct are similar in children and adults.

First Protect the Body Against Dehydration

Along with vomiting and diarrhea, the body loses significant amounts of water. Therefore, the greatest threat is the stomach flu dehydration the body. In order to prevent it, it's best to take 3-4 liters of fluid per day for example, non-carbonated mineral water, herbal teas (peppermint, chamomile), and fruit juices. During the illness better to give up coffee and milk, which will further stimulate the bowel?

Replenish electrolytes also. Into a glass of juice add the teaspoon of sugar and salt, or select electrolyte formulations prepared with glucose and potassium and sodium salts (eg Orsalit, Litorsal, and Floridral.) Prepared assumed irrigation fluids in small sips every few minutes.

Second Reasonably Fight Diarrhea

Do not try to stop the diarrhea accompanying stomach flu drugs as Stoperan, Imodium or Laremid. Contained in these releases loperamide intestinal function and reduces the need to defecate. Stop the diarrhea but prevents removal of viruses and lengthen the duration of the disease.

To alleviate the diarrhea, it can turn to so-called adsorbents: medicinal charcoal or Smect?. Adsorbents bind toxic substances in the intestine, intestinal gas, bacteria and reduce the inflow of water into the intestine. Thanks to a protective effect on the intestinal wall and reduce the duration of diarrhea. Diosmektyn - component Smecty, Coated with additional gastrointestinal mucosa and improves the protective properties of mucus.

Adsorbents are also safe for kids. The prepared slurry of coal or Smecty can be mixed with semi-liquid food or administered in small portions throughout the day.

A common mistake when using adsorbents, is taking very small doses. For coal and diosmektynu action was effective people over 12 years of age may receive acute diarrhea at one time up to 4 grams of Carbo medicinalis, or even 6 sachets Smecty day.

Third Defeat Pain and Fever

In children, stomach flu is often accompanied by fever. To be safe, you can choose to reduce paracetamol or Ibuprofen suppositories, or syrup. Pats tummy calm the child and tense muscles relax.

Abdominal pain in adults measures would mitigate the smooth muscle relaxants such as the gastrointestinal tract NO-SPA. The pain medication is best to choose paracetamol  since it does not irritate the stomach longer nadwyr??onego.

Fourth Take Care of Proper Diet

The duration of diarrhea and vomiting should be easily digestible diet. Meals with rozgotowanym rice, porridge manna, starchy bananas and apples will prevent excessive water loss from the gut. Dishes should be fat-free. With the disappearance of symptoms can vary your diet slowly, adding lean meats, cooked vegetables.

Maluszkom after the fourth months of age can be given Carrot-rice gruel Hipp ORS enriched with glucose and electrolytes, which in addition to the nutritional value prevents dehydration.

Diarrhoea and vomiting weaken the natural bacterial flora colonizing the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics needed for proper bowel function are contained mainly in dairy products: yogurt, kefirach, but these can exacerbate diarrhea. It is better to reach for pharmaceutical preparations of lactic acid bacilli (eg Lakcid, Lacidofil, Trilac).

Do I Need to Visit a Doctor?

Fighting rotawirusami takes a few days

Consult a Doctor if:

• diarrhea and vomiting occurs in infant
• symptoms last longer than 5 days
• in the stool or vomit are traces of blood
• feel malaise and lethargy, have sunken eyes, teases you with a dry mouth and the skin loses its elasticity - it's warning signs that could lead to excessive dehydration

Is it Possible to Somehow Prevent the Stomach Flu?

Rotavirus infection mostly concerns small children. Because of the stomach flu every 3 to 5 years of age children require outpatient treatment. Your GP may decide to protective vaccination. Vaccine in the form of oral fluid is given when the boy finished sixth week, but vaccination schedule must be completed before the 26th week of age.

Most cases for the period jesiennozimowy and early spring, because at that time you should pay particular attention to hygiene practices. Washing hands after visiting the toilet and before eating, thorough rinsing fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of illness.

When a child gets sick, you need to provide frequent change diapers and butt thoroughly cleaned. It is likely decontaminate pacifier to avoid re-infection.

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 “Stomach flu” or “Intestinal Flu”

It is a colloquial term for viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Influenza viruses that cause most stomach (intestinal) are rotaviruses.

Epidemiology

Increased number of these cases are recorded each year in autumn and winter ie from November to April. Cases of these are most often epidemic. This is a very common disease found in the family, organized groups (colonies, trips), or in hospital wards. Most frequently and most seriously ill Children are from 3 months to 3 years.

How is it Spread

It is very easy to get contracted by the virus, the infection can be caused by just a few of its particles. The most important way of spreading is feralno-oral route for eg by dirty hands. Viruses can also spread through droplets released by sick people and infects both before and after the onset of symptoms.

Mechanism

The disease is caused most often by Rotavirus but sometimes it may also be caused by adenoviruses. The incubation period of such viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract is maximum of 2 days. Viruses multiply in the digestive tract, damaging the mucous membrane and leading to symptoms of disease.

Symptoms

• Profuse, watery diarrhea lasting several days
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pains
• General feeling of weakness

Intestinal flu or 24 hour flu can be very dangerous in children and the elderly. Strong diarrhea can lead to life-threatening dehydration!

Treatment

Symptomatic (ie, we treat the consequences of illness):

• Replenishing fluids – Oral at home, intravenous in hospital is often given.
• Replacing electrolytes – Available in a pharmacy in the form of powders meant for reconstitution.
• Supplementing the bacterial flora (good bacteria) – yogurt, probiotics in capsule form.
• Antipyretics are given in case of fever.

If symptoms persist, one must consult a physician to rule out another possible cause of diarrhea (eg bacterial infection).

In addition, when you are at home and you have somebody suffering from 24 hour flu, you should be strictly observe rules of hygiene:

• Frequent hand washing by all household members.
• Use only disposable diapers for children.
• Water flushing the toilet with closed shells.
• Frequent cleaning of sanitary facilities.

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Flu, an acute, infectious viral disease of the respiratory tract. The term flu arose in Italy in the 15th century, where an epidemic of the disease was ascribed to the “influence [flu] of the stars.” It is known commonly as flu or grippe. Flu is extremely contagious, often spreading on an epidemic scale; outbreaks typically occur from late autumn through early spring seasons. and the population’s state of immunity.

Symptoms and Course of the Disease

The disease is characterized by a rapid onset after infection, the incubation period is 1-3 days. The predominant symptoms are high fever, dry cough and muscle and headaches. Symptoms from the intestine does not occur (“stomach flu” is thus an incorrect term). Patients with uncomplicated flu usually recover after about a week. In the most severely ill can be a primary, that is. caused by the virus, pneumonia of the serious nature arise. Complications occur, and most common is an intercurrent bacterial pneumonia.

The new influenza A/H1N1 in 2009 have similar symptoms but in many cases a very mild, flu-like syndrome. A small number of people, however, had severe pneumonia, either triggered by the virus or virus in combination with bacteria. In a few cases have been amplified as the lungs of inflammatory fluid is sufficient to allow spontaneous respiration or ventilator does not function adequately. Treatment with oxygenation outside the body (ECMO) has then had to be resorted to.

The diagnosis of influenza is based partly on the epidemiology and symptom, and the isolation of viruses and / or detection of antibodies against this virus. Mortality from influenza infections can be high in certain patient groups. This particularly applies to older, often due to other, underlying diseases and intercurrent bacterial infections. In younger patients, mortality rates are very low and is concentrated among those who develop the severe form of primary pneumonia.

Diagnosis

Flu can be diagnosed by using a nasal wash or throat swab to obtain a sample of the flu virus from a patient and then cultivating it in the laboratory. Several other laboratory flu tests also exist. Yet most commonly doctors diagnose flu simply based on a patient’s symptoms and whether or not the surrounding community is currently undergoing a flu epidemic.

Prevention

Vaccination is an effective method of preventing flu in all age groups. Flu vaccines are prepared with inactivated type A and type B viruses. Thus a person who is vaccinated develops antibodies against the viruses without developing the acute form of the disease. Sometimes mild flu symptoms, such as muscle ache and fever, may appear after vaccination. A person’s immunity to flu falls rather rapidly a few months after vaccination or recovery from the disease. Vaccinations are therefore necessary each year, preferably in the fall.

Antiviral drugs are sometimes prescribed for use in addition to vaccination. These medications include amantadine and rimantadine, which defend against type A flu. The drug seltamivir is used to prevent types A and B. If taken within two days after the onset of flu, these three drugs (as well as a fourth antiviral medication, zanamivir) can shorten the duration of flu symptoms by a day.

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Are you feeling not so well? Got a runy nose? Headache? Lack of energy? It’s a safe bet you either have a form of a flu or a cold, so how do you know what you have? Let’s find out..

The flu and colds every year afflict a large proportion of the population. For some groups, such as the elderly and those with lower body resistance, influenza is a serious threat to life.

The flu and colds share many symptoms. The cold is generally milder, while flu is much more serious.

The cold begins with a feeling of fatigue, with sneezing, coughing and runny nose. There may be no fever or fever that may be low in case of flu. It may also be accompanied by muscle aches, sore throat, running eyes and headaches.

Unlike colds, flu starts suddenly and strikes hard. The patient feels weak, tired, has a fever, dry cough, sore eyes, severe headaches and pain in the neck with sore throat. Also the time needed to recover the patient is much higher than in the case of colds.

It is important to emphasize that the flu and colds are caused by viruses. There are more than 100 unusual viruses that can cause colds while for flu the number is much less.

For these reasons, there are vaccines for influenza but not for the common cold. As it is the viruses that cause these diseases, antibiotics are not effective against them.

What should I do to feel better? 

There is currently no explanatory treatment for colds or flu. Antibiotics have no effect against viruses. What we can do is a supportive therapy that aims to make you feel better by the body to cope with its own defense mechanisms to generate antibodies and get rid of the virus.

There are a few ways:

• If you have a fever you should stay home and relax
• If you smoke, stop smoking immediately. If not avoid passive smoke from people around you, because it worsens the symptoms
• Drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juices and light soups. The fluids help in the realization of phlegm and secretions. It is also valuable when there is fever, because in this case there are fluid losses with the risk of dehydration
• Avoid drinking alcohol
• If you have a sore throat, throat you can gargle with warm water containing salt, which can ease the pain. Also special sprays or tablets that dissolve in your mouth can help
• Use drops of normal serum on your nose to be liquidated secretions and to humidify the delicate skin of the nose

But beware, because in some cases it is best to call your doctor:

1. If you have a cold that lasts more than 10 days
2. If you have earache or running fluid from the ear
3. If you have severe pain on the face or forehead
4. If you have high fever (higher than 39 degrees Celsius)
5. Shortness of breath
6. In cases where there is hoarseness, a sore throat or cough that does not leave
7. If you have shortness of breath with wheezing

Need medicine for colds or the flu?

Some medications can alleviate symptoms. Before taking any medications you should consult your doctor and even more so in the case of children.

There are several drugs which are given without prescription. You should know what they contain.

Most drugs used contain substances of the following categories:

Analgesics: These are painkillers, some of which have antipyretic properties. Some of them are paracetamol, the naproxen, the ibuprofen, the ketoprofen, the mefenamic acid and aspirin. Aspirin is not recommended in children and adolescents.

Expectorant: These medicines help in the realization of phlegm and secretions of the respiratory system causing easy expulsion by coughing. Such medications are bromhexine and guaifenesin

Decongestants: These substances reduce the congestion that can exist in several passages, particularly those in the nose. Such medications are ephedrine, a phenylephrine, the phenylpropanolamine, and pseydoephedrine.

There are also some medications for which you need a prescription from the doctor.

It can be either pills or inhaled formulations. It should not be taken without medical supervision because in some patients such as those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma can cause problems.

There are also some drugs with activity against viruses, which can be used to prevent and treat influenza. These drugs can present complications and therefore should be administered under supervision by your doctor.

These drugs are:

• Rimantadine (Flumadine ®)
• Amantadine (Symmetrel ®)
• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu ®)
• Zanamivir (Relenza ®)

What is prevention and who should do the vaccines?

The viruses that cause colds and flu are spread by contact with hands and droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing.

Washing hands with warm water and soap is as effective prevention also avoid touching your eyes or nose with your hands.

Certain groups should be vaccinated annually with influenza vaccine. These individuals are more vulnerable and more at risk than others to experience complications such as pneumonia.

Usually the best time for vaccination is October or November. Surely you should ask your doctor whether you should be vaccinated.

People who are allergic to eggs should not be vaccinated with the vaccine against influenza.