Viral enteritis, sometimes known as stomach flu, is an infection of the intestines. It has a short incubation period—only 1–3 days—during which no outward signs of illness appear. After the first day or two, symptoms often subside, although they might remain for up to a week. For the elderly, this may be especially true. The symptoms of a stomach virus include:

• diarrhoea
• vomiting
• stomachaches
• Appetite loss
• Mild fever

You could throw up for a day or two when you get the stomach flu, but diarrhoea might persist for days. Small children and toddlers often finish vomiting 24 hours after the beginning of symptoms. However, diarrhoea may continue for another day or two. These symptoms can sometimes last for up to 10 days.

Most healthy adults can recover from a case of stomach flu without too much trouble. Infants, toddlers, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable if dehydration sets in and aren't addressed.

What Distinguishes Stomach Flu, Food Poisoning, And Seasonal Flu?

On the other hand, food poisoning typically manifests within a few hours after eating tainted food or drink, whereas stomach flu might take days to manifest. The signs and symptoms of food poisoning are often mistaken for stomach flu.

The effects of food poisoning usually subside within two days. The stomach flu is distinct from the seasonal flu, characterized by fever, sore throat, and fatigue and lasts for about a week.

When Will You Stop Spreading Your Illness?

Illnesses of the digestive tract can spread rapidly. Contagiousness lasts for a period that varies from virus to virus. Most cases of food poisoning are caused by norovirus. Norovirus causes the stomach flu that is highly infectious at the onset of symptoms and for several days after that.

Noroviruses can survive in faeces for up to two weeks. Due to this, it is possible for caretakers who change diapers to become infected if they do not take measures, such as immediately washing their hands afterwards.

Rotavirus is the most common source of gastroenteritis in young children, babies, and toddlers. The rotavirus that causes stomach flu is contagious during the incubation phase. Contagiousness from this virus can last up to two weeks after symptoms have subsided in a patient.

Conventional Treatments

Time, relaxation, and drinking fluids are the most excellent home cures for stomach flu if your body can keep them down.

Avoid dehydration by chewing on ice chips, sucking on popsicles, or drinking small quantities of liquid. Water, clear broth, and sugar-free energy drinks are all acceptable alternatives once you can stomach them.

Aimed Towards Infants And Toddlers

Oral rehydration salts (ORS) help prevent and treat dehydration in young children. Pedialyte and Enfalyte are examples of ORS drinks that can be purchased without a doctor's order.

You can give them to them over three or four hours, a few teaspoons at a time. Give your youngster a teaspoon or two every five minutes. Liquid ORS can also be administered to infants via bottle.

In the event of persistent vomiting, you should stop offering your breast to your infant; otherwise, you should continue nursing. Infants that are formula-fed, who aren't dehydrated, and can keep fluids down can be given formula.

An infant who has been vomiting should be given a modest amount of ORS liquids by bottle 15 to 20 minutes after the vomiting has stopped, regardless of whether they are breastfed, bottle-fed, or formula-fed.

Suitable For Teenagers And Up

Adults and older children tend to lose their appetite when sick with the stomach flu. Avoid pigging up on a huge meal just after being hungry. When you're sick, avoiding eating anything solid is best. You should eat easy items on your stomach once your sickness has subsided.

That may keep your stomach from getting much angrier. While you're healing, stick to a bland diet like the BRAT. Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are all staples in the BRAT diet because they are starchy and low in fibre, which helps to firm up a stool and lessens diarrhoea.

When To Ask For Aid

Although stomach flu often improves within a few days, medical attention may be necessary in severe cases. Medical attention is warranted if an infant or baby with stomach flu has a high temperature or has been vomiting for more than a few hours. Baby dehydration requires prompt medical attention. There are several warning signs of infant dehydration, including:

• sagging eyelids
• no soiled diapers in the past 6 hours
• shedding few or no tears when weeping
• a depression or soft area above the skull
• dry skin