According to the CDC, recent reports concluded that gastroenteritis also known as the stomach flu has a new strain and is responsible for a number of illnesses in the US.
What is gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis is a virus that takes place in the digestive tract affecting the stomach and ultimately the intestines. “Viral gastroenteritis is sometimes called the "stomach flu." It refers to swelling or inflammation of the stomach and intestines from a virus. The infection can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001298/ The stomach flu can affect everyone adults and children alike agitating the host with diarrhea, a common sign.
How do you get the stomach flu? This virus is most likely acquired through food contamination; be it solids or fluids. Symptoms usually appear 4 to 48 hours after contamination.
What are the symptoms? Some of the common symptoms of the stomach flu are: abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea and nausea/vomiting. Some individuals may suffer from Chills, clammy skin, or sweating, joint stiffness or muscle pain and weight loss.
What is the treatment for the stomach flu? “The goal of treatment is to prevent dehydration by making sure the body has enough water and fluids” in order to replace what was lost during bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. Older children and adults can drink sports beverages such as Gatorade,” but these should not be used for younger children who can be given freezer pops. Dairy products and sugars aggravate diarrhea so stay away. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001298/
Unfortunately, antibiotics do not work on viruses; therefore, the stomach flu has to run its course.
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