Stomach flu is not the flu at all, but it can be prevented the same way

July 2, 4:04 PMBaltimore Disease Prevention ExaminerRene Najera

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I'm more worried about microscopic bugs on hands, really. (Image Credit)

Norovirus infection is a very common ailment for which there is no vaccine and no drug treatment. Almost all people have had at least one episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea in their life, and it's a good bet that at least one of those episodes was caused by norovirus. Many people call this infection "the stomach flu". In light of current H1N1-swine influenza pandemic, it is necessary to know that "stomach flu" and influenza are not the same thing.

Stomach flu may be caused by not only norovirus, but also by a collection of viruses that cause similar symptoms. These symptoms go from the very mild, such as stomach discomfort and maybe some nausea, to the very severe, like uncontrollable vomiting with diarrhea. Complications are more common in those with weakened immune systems. These complications can be dehydration or even death. The viruses that cause "stomach flu" are transmitted through the oral route when contaminated material is handled by someone and then that person touches food or drinks with contaminated hands.

Influenza, on the other hand, is caused by the influenza virus, of which there are three types (A, B, and C). Influenza virus causes a respiratory syndrome, with coughing, sore throat, chest congestion, and fever. Very rarely does influenza also cause digestive system trouble. Influenza is transmitted by droplets that you breathe into your respiratory pathway or comes into contact with your eyes.

In both instances, hand washing is key to preventing stomach flu or influenza. In fact, hand washing prevents a multitude of other conditions. Hand washing can even save a lot of money each year by preventing diseases. This is because, in both cases, you are dealing with highly infectious viruses, some of which require only a few viral particles to make you sick. So washing your hands gets rid of any viruses that you may bring to your face after touching a contaminated surface.

What about hand sanitizers? Well, hand sanitizers don't do so well against noroviruses. They'll do in a pinch, because they're better than nothing, and they work well against influenza. But, even if you use a hand sanitizer, you should go and wash your hands as soon as you can.

Finally, if you are a food handler, washing your hands is paramount. Whatever infection you have, even those that you may not know you have, will be passed on through the food you prepare if you don't practice good hand hygiene. Of course, if you are ill, you should stay home.