Original source link: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/stomach-flu-not-influenza Archived on: May 2, 2012
Sign in
Sign up
Why WebMD?
Article Link: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/stomach-flu-not-influenza
Cold & Flu Health Center
Tools & Resources
What Sinuses Look Like
Anatomy of a Sore Throat
All About Eye Allergies
15 Immune-Boosting Foods
Inside an Ear Infection
When Your Child Has a Cold
Is It a Stomach Flu or Influenza?
Font size:
A A
Do you know the difference between stomach flu and influenza? "Stomach flu" is a popular term but not the true
medical diagnosis. The proper medical term for stomach flu is gastroenteritis.
A
Share this:
Sometimes people mistake symptoms of stomach flu or gastroenteritis for the viral infection we commonly call "flu,"
which has symptoms of fever, congestion, muscle aches, and fatigue. Learn more about stomach flu and influenza so you can
recognize flu symptoms and seek proper treatment.
Salmonella: Protect Yourself Against This Culprit
How Does Stomach Flu Differ From Influenza?
Stomach flu actually refers to gastroenteritis or irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines (the gastrointestinal
tract). Gastroenteritis may be caused by a virus, bacteria, parasites in spoiled food or unclean water, or another trigger such as
lactose intolerance, which causes a reaction to dairy products.
Influenza (flu), on the other hand, is a viral infection that mimics a cold except that it starts forcefully with symptoms of fatigue,
fever, and respiratory congestion. While more than 100 different virus types can cause a common cold, only influenza virus types
A, B, and C cause flu. More severe cases of influenza can lead to life-threatening illnesses such as pneumonia.
In addition, while antibiotics can treat a bacterial infection, antibiotics cannot treat influenza because flu is caused by a virus.
What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Flu?
Symptoms of gastroenteritis or stomach flu include abdominal cramps, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You may
also have fever, headache, and swollen lymph glands, depending on the type of bug that causes it.
In severe cases of gastroenteritis, loss of bodily fluid can result in dehydration, a life-threatening condition that needs medical
attention. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, light-headedness, increased thirst, dry or sticky mucous membranes in the
mouth, lack of normal elasticity of the skin, decreased urine output, and decreased tears.
You can avoid dehydration by continuing to drink fluids. Bland foods -- like toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce -- may be good
for starters. However, experts now recommend returning to a normal diet within 24 hours, if possible.
What Causes a Stomach Flu?
There are many causes of stomach flu, including bacteria such as E. coli, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Salmonella. Viruses can
also cause stomach flu and are responsible for 30% to 40% of gastroenteritis cases in children. Common stomach flu viruses
include norovirus or Norwalk-like virus, adenovirus, rotavirus, calicivirus, and astrovirus. Stomach viruses are notorious for
spreading rapidly because of poor hand washing.
While not as common, parasites such as giardia and cryptosporidium can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. Water-borne
parasites are common in underdeveloped parts of the world that have unsanitary water supplies. It is recommended that travelers
stick to bottled water to avoid water-borne parasites -- a potential cause of stomach flu.
Some foods may irritate your stomach and also cause gastroenteritis. Reaction to dairy products in someone with lactose
intolerance is the most common example. Severe reactions to seafood is another example.
A lack of good hygiene can result in a stomach flu. For instance, improper hand washing after using the bathroom or after
changing a baby's diaper can spread the infectious bug from person to person. Many doctors call stomach flu "a family affair"
because it is so highly contagious and usually goes through all members of a family.
1 | 2
WebMD Medical Reference
NEXT PAGE >
Flu Guide
1 Overview & Facts
4 Treatment & Care
2 Symptoms & Types
5 Home Remedies
3 Diagnosis & Tests
6 Diet & Exercise
ADHD in the Family?
Health Check: Signs & Symptoms
Slideshow: ADHD in Children
Slideshow: Brain Foods for Focus
Learn More Now
From Our Sponsor
Depressed? There's Help
Find Out about a Treatment Option
Key Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Get the Facts