Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu) Symptoms, Transmission, Contagious, and Cure: Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is most commonly caused by viruses and bacteria like
Norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, parvovirus, and Astrovirus. Bacteria causing gastroenteritis include
Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, salmonella, shigella, Campylobacter, and
C. difficile. Other causes may be due to chemical toxins. The stomach flu
is contagious because it caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. You get the
stomach flu from contaminated food and drinks from poor hygiene (not washing
your hands after using the toilet). Common symptoms of the stomach flu are; mild to moderate diarrhea, abdominal cramping, abdominal bloating,and low grade fever.
Home remedies to treat the stomach flu include rest and hydration to avoid dehydration. Over-the-counter or prescription medicine may be necessary to treat
the signs and symptoms of the stomach flu (gastroenteritis). The stomach flu can
be prevented by using proper hygiene when using the bathroom.
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Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, parasites, intestinal diseases or conditions, reactions to medications, and food intolerance or allergies. Symptoms of diarrhea include watery stools, abdominal cramping, fever, and dehydration. Most cases of diarrhea can be treated at home. In some cases (in the elderly, small children, or those with severe or chronic medical conditions) may need to be hospitalized due to dehydration. -
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is caused by viruses, bacteria, toxins, parasites, or chemicals that have contaminated food or drinking water. Symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, abdominal cramping, dehydration, rectal bleeding, and bloating. Food poisoning usually can be cared for at home. In some instances (severe dehydration) a person may be hospitalized for treatment. -
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic GI disorder of unknown cause. The most common symptoms of IBS include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and cramping, and constipation and diarrhea. New antibody blood tests may help identify some types of irritable bowel syndrome, for example, IBS-D (irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea) and IBS-M (irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and constipation). IBS treatment is accomplished with OTC and prescription medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. -
Norovirus
Infection with norovirus causes symptoms like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Symptoms and signs usually begin within 12-48 hours after initial contact with the virus. The infection is self-limiting, so medical treatment is usually unnecessary. However, if the infected individual is unable to rehydrate, it may be necessary to seek medical care to avoid dehydration. -
Rotavirus
Rotavirus infection is one of four viruses that cause gastroenteritis. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Treatment involves staying hydrated. Antibiotics are not used to treat a rotavirus infection. -
Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacterial that can cause infectious diseases in humans. You get Salmonella by ingesting contaminated food or water and the infection is referred to as "food poisoning." Symptoms and signs of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and possibly fever. Sometimes Salmonella requires no treatment, other times a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. -
Abdominal Pain in Children
Abdominal pain in children can range from trivial to life-threatening. Symptoms of abdominal pain range from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, groin pain, urinary problems, or skin rash. The location of the abdominal pain may be around the belly button, occurs only at night, while eating. The pain pain also may be intermittent. Treatment of abdominal pain in children is depends on the cause. Possible causes of abdominal pain in children include infections, food related (food allergy or food poisoning), poisoning from medication, food, household products, appendicitis, diabetes, or spider bites. -
Traveler's Diarrhea
Causes of traveler's diarrhea include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Traveler's diarrhea is contagious, with symptoms including loose or watery stools, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, and bloody stools. Treatment for traveler's diarrhea is generally with OTC medication.
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Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu) Symptoms, Transmission, Contagious, and Cure Topic Guide - Visuals
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