Stomach Flu: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
The stomach flu is a contagious inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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The stomach flu is a contagious inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What is the Stomach Flu?
The stomach flu, medically known as gastroenteritis, is an inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines. Despite its name, it is not related to influenza (the real flu). It is most commonly caused by viruses, less often by bacteria or parasites, and is one of the most frequent illnesses worldwide.
Causes
Viruses are the most common cause of stomach flu. The most significant include:
- Noroviruses: Especially common in autumn and winter, highly contagious
- Rotaviruses: Mainly affect infants and young children
- Adenoviruses and Astroviruses: Less common, but also possible
Bacterial causes such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, or Escherichia coli are often linked to contaminated food or water. In rare cases, parasites such as Giardia lamblia can also cause gastroenteritis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of the stomach flu typically begin suddenly and may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea (watery, rarely bloody)
- Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Mild fever
- General malaise and weakness
The loss of fluids poses a particular risk of dehydration, especially in children, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
Diagnosis
In most cases, diagnosis is based on the typical symptoms and medical history. A physical examination by a doctor is recommended. In severe cases, with persistent fever, or if there is blood in the stool, further tests may be necessary:
- Stool analysis: To identify the causative pathogen (viruses, bacteria, parasites)
- Blood tests: To assess fluid balance and signs of inflammation
Treatment
There is generally no specific antiviral treatment available for viral stomach flu. Treatment therefore focuses on relieving symptoms and replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes.
Fluid and Electrolyte Replacement
The most important measure is adequate fluid intake, including water, herbal teas, or specially formulated oral rehydration solutions (available from pharmacies). These contain the right balance of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium to compensate for fluid losses.
Diet
Light, easily digestible foods such as plain crackers, steamed vegetables, or rice porridge are recommended. Fatty or heavily spiced foods and dairy products should initially be avoided.
Medications
In certain cases, the following medications may be used:
- Antiemetics (to relieve nausea and vomiting, e.g. metoclopramide)
- Loperamide (to slow intestinal movement in severe diarrhea – not recommended for children under 12 or if a bacterial infection is suspected)
- Antibiotics only for confirmed bacterial infections and only under medical supervision
When to See a Doctor?
Medical attention is urgently recommended if:
- There is persistent high fever (above 39 degrees Celsius)
- There is blood in the stool or vomit
- There are signs of severe dehydration (dizziness, very little urine, dry mucous membranes)
- Symptoms occur in infants, young children, or elderly people
- Symptoms last more than 3 days
Prevention
Since stomach flu is highly contagious, hygiene measures are essential:
- Regular and thorough handwashing with soap, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food
- Using disposable towels when an infected person is in the household
- Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
- Safe food handling practices (thorough cooking, proper refrigeration)
- Rotavirus vaccination for infants (recommended by health authorities)
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Diarrhoeal disease. Fact Sheet, 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int
- Robert Koch-Institut (RKI): Information on Gastroenteritis. Berlin, 2023. Available at: https://www.rki.de
- Longo, D.L. et al. (eds.): Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st edition. McGraw-Hill Education, 2022.
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Related search terms: Stomach Flu + Stomach Flu + Gastric Flu