Flu Prevention and Treatment Techniques You Need to Know
Fall is here, and flu season won’t be far behind. Learn the best flu prevention methods, and when it’s time to see a doctor.
Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Flu
Could your tummy trouble be viral gastroenteritis, AKA the “stomach flu”?
Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as the “stomach flu”, is an intestinal infection with some seriously miserable symptoms–think nausea, stomach cramps, and frequent beelines to the bathroom. A number of viruses can cause the unpleasant illness, though norovirus is usually to blame. Rotavirus, adenovirus, astrovirus, and sapovirus are also common.
These viruses are highly contagious, spread quickly from person to person, and are most active from October to April. You can catch a stomach bug simply from being near, shaking hands, or sharing personal items with someone who is sick. You can also develop the illness by consuming contaminated food or water (i.e. food poisoning). Anyone can get viral gastroenteritis, though young children, older adults, dormitory residents, and those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable.
It’s important to note that the so-called “stomach flu” is not the same as influenza. Real flu is a respiratory infection, whereas gastroenteritis attacks the intestines.
Viral Gastroenteritis symptoms include:
- Watery, nonbloody diarrhea*
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Nausea, vomiting or both
- Occasional muscle aches or headache
- Low-grade fever
*When you have an intestinal infection, your large intestine struggles to retain fluids, which leads to loose, watery stool, generally without smell or blood. Bloody diarrhea may indicate a more severe infection. Head straight to the ER if you notice this symptom.
Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis come on abruptly, and fortunately, don’t last long. The illness usually runs its course within 1-2 days. And since antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, the best treatment plan is plenty of rest and extra fluids. Dehydration as a result of diarrhea and vomiting can be a serious concern, so head into our urgent care center if:
- You’re unable to keep liquids down for 24 hours
- You experience vomiting that lasts more than two days
- 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
- You’re vomiting blood
- You have a fever above 104 F (40 C)
Our medical team is available 7 days a week to provide quick, quality treatment when you need it most!
You Might Also Enjoy...
Evaluating Your Low Back Pain
Almost every adult will deal with low back pain at some point in their life. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons people head to the doctor.
Where To Take Your Sick Child For Care
Your toddler is running a fever and acting extra fussy… Do you rush to the emergency room, or simply set an appointment with the pediatrician for next week?
Allergies Vs. Sinus Infection
As we head into hay fever season, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of your congestion– are your sniffles due to seasonal allergies or a sinus infection?
Treating a Dislocated Joint
Dislocating a joint can be a frightening and painful experience; a sudden fall or awkward collision knocks your bone out of place, leaving your joint swollen and immobile.
When and Where to Seek Treatment for A Burn
We run the risk of burns throughout our daily lives. A burn can occur during simple activities such as making dinner, curling your hair, ironing clothes, or making a pot of coffee.