What is gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis, also known as "stomach flu," is a common inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes various unpleasant symptoms. While it's often called "the stomach flu," it's not actually caused by the influenza virus, but rather by viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
Symptoms:
Here are some common symptoms of gastroenteritis:
- Nausea and vomiting:
These are probably the most well-known symptoms, and can range from mild to severe.
- Diarrhea:
This can be watery or bloody, and may be accompanied by urgency or cramping.
- Abdominal pain:
This can be sharp or dull, and may be located in the upper or lower abdomen.
- Fever:
A mild fever is common, but a high fever (over 100.4°F) may indicate a more serious infection.
- Other symptoms:
These may include headache, fatigue, chills, muscle aches, and loss of appetite.
Most cases of gastroenteritis are mild and resolve on their own within a few days. However, some cases can be more severe, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
If you think you might have gastroenteritis, it's important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or electrolyte solutions. You should also avoid eating solid foods for a while, and then gradually introduce bland, easy-to-digest foods back into your diet.
Preventing:
Here are some tips for preventing gastroenteritis:
- Wash your hands frequently:
This is the most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of germs.
- Cook food thoroughly:
Make sure to cook meat and poultry to the proper temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
- Wash fruits and vegetables:
Be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them, even if they look clean.
- Avoid contaminated water:
Don't drink water from sources that you know or suspect may be contaminated.
- Get vaccinated:
Some vaccines can help protect you from certain types of gastroenteritis.
If you have any concerns about your symptoms or if they are severe or don't improve within a few days, it's important to see a doctor.
