By BobbieJo Paul, FNP, Provider/Health Coach, ATI Active Care
You’re not feeling good – nausea, diarrhea, a fever. You got the flu shot…how can this be? But now you’re told that the flu shot doesn’t cover this. Everyone is calling what you have the flu, so what are you to think about this illness?
The flu shot is for the influenza virus, but the stomach flu is a different type of virus. Both can cause you to be very ill, but they affect different systems in your body. The stomach flu is called viral gastroenteritis; this is quite the name, so many people just say they have the flu.
Now that you know there’s a difference and that the flu shot will not prevent this illness, what can you do?
Viral gastroenteritis is a very contagious illness that is spread through contact. The best way to prevent it is by properly handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. Often the symptoms are sudden and include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fever might happen, but it does not always occur. A person with this virus may experience abdominal cramping or tenderness, and may also feel achy, weak and tired. Because of the loss of fluid from vomiting and diarrhea, a person can become dehydrated; this can add to feeling weak and tired and may also cause a headache and sore muscles.
Since viral gastroenteritis is caused by a virus, it will resolve on its own; antibiotics are not recommended for this viral illness. The best treatment is rest and slow, steady hydration. Depending on the virus, the most common length of time for this illness is 24 hours to 3 days, but there are some viruses that can cause symptoms to last 5-8 days. If you are vomiting frequently, take sips of water often; don’t quickly drink a full glass as that might be too much on the stomach at once. It is ok if you don’t feel like eating when you are ill with this. When you do feel like eating, start slow. Make sure you eat something bland and only a small amount to see how your stomach tolerates the food. Good suggestions are bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Remember to clean the bathroom or use a separate one from the rest of the family to reduce the risk of spreading the illness.
If you are ill and not sure if you need to be seen, contact your health care provider and they can help advise you if you can stay home and monitor the symptoms or if you should go in to be evaluated. Many illnesses are passed around during the winter months while we are all together indoors. If you know someone who is ill, use precautions to increase your chances of staying healthy.